OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

[DBreskin]

Fixing one thing leads to another.
I was finally able to remove my pivot housing to service the transom, only to find my transom shift cable has some small cracks in the sheathing near the pivot housing fitting. I guess that explains the wet slurry in the upper unit shift linkage cavity.

I want to replace the transom shift cable. The OMC manual directs me to slide the cable out of the sleeve but I can't seem to get either end of the cable to make it past the last bend where the sleeve attaches to the transom plate.

Any suggestions?

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Cut the cable as needed. You're putting in a new one anyway so don't worry about saving the old cable. REMOVE IT !

 

[DBreskin]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Cut the cable as needed. You're putting in a new one anyway so don't worry about saving the old cable. REMOVE IT !

Don, I thought about cutting it but if the old one won't come out how will I get the new one in?

 

[marinemech1]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Assuming you have an original black cable (highly unlikely as they where to be replaced under warranty) it doesn't disassemble' just cut it. The new red cable has a removable end to make installation possible. And sometimes when the engines were installed they would accidentally pinch the cable. If that's the case remove rear engine mount nuts and raise it until you can move cable so its not pinched by the engine.
Wayne

 

[DBreskin]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Wayne,
Thanks for the advice. I do have the red cable. I've removed the inboard end of the cable and it slides freely inside the sleeve but won't make the last 6 inches to come out the transom.
Raising the engine will probably solve the problem and allow a straighter path, but that's a lot more effort than I expected. I assume I'll need to detach the exhaust risers, among other things, in order to raise the rear of the engine.

 

[marinemech1]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Have you removed the shaft that has the nut and trunnion on it.(loosen nut and unscrew shaft)
If so cable should pull out freely.
Also to ease installation move the hose that the cable runs in from the transom down beside engine so that it has a straighter run.
Wayne

 

[duke3478]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Have you removed the shaft that has the nut and trunnion on it.(loosen nut and unscrew shaft)
If so cable should pull out freely.
Also to ease installation move the hose that the cable runs in from the transom down beside engine so that it has a straighter run.
Wayne

I had a hell of a time installing my new TBSC, also. Ended up running a cut-off piece of fishtape up from the bottom, tying on some speaker wire, pulling that down through the transom, tying that to the new TBSC and had a helper pull while I shoved from below. There's a bad bend in the hose that it has to get past, (91 Four Winns) somewhere near the starter, but once the longer guide end gets through that, it's smooth sailing.

I just discovered tonight that lubing the inner cable with marine grease is a BAD IDEA. The OMC manual actually says no lube is needed. The grease either causes hydraulic resistance or just viscous resistance, but either way it made it way too hard to move the cable. When I installed it, I figured a nice coat of marine grease would make my new cable last longer. It probably would, but to hell with the cable if it destroys the gears.

Remember, this cable core only travels a few inches in the outer sheath, in a straight line. It doesn't spin, and doesn't generate much friction under normal use. It don't need no grease.

I had to uninstall mine after about six months of hard shifting, clean the inner cable, clean OUT the outer sheath, and then reinstall. Only now do I have the 2.5lb resistance (about 1.8lb, actually) required for everything to jibe. Just have to wait for the boat shop to open so I can buy a new drive gasket. I had a new bellows to put on anyway, and need to grease everything for the season, so I don't mind, but learn from my mistake! Hopefully my gears have suffered as little as possible.

Don't grease the OMC TBSC!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

guess that explains the wet slurry in the upper unit shift linkage cavity.

That will happen no matter what you do. OMC came out with a new bellcrank bushing in the later years that had a grease fitting onit that allowed you to fill that cavity full of grease to keep the water out. The slurry is just the water getting in and evaporating over time.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: OMC Cobra transom shift cable removal

Have you removed the shaft that has the nut and trunnion on it.(loosen nut and unscrew shaft)
If so cable should pull out freely.

I hadn't removed the trunnion; I did so this morning and the cable slid out without any resistance at all! Thanks!

That will happen no matter what you do. OMC came out with a new bellcrank bushing in the later years that had a grease fitting onit that allowed you to fill that cavity full of grease to keep the water out. The slurry is just the water getting in and evaporating over time.

Mine has a grease fitting, but apparently not enough grease. I'll be sure to put some in after I reassemble it.