OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

[rybad]

1988/89 Cobra 350/5.7<br /><br />I am getting ready to prep for summer in a few weeks and need some advice on some issue I have with my outdrives.<br /><br />1) Hard Shifting: Both engines shift "into" gear very, very hard. Not all of the time, but about 90% of the time. They seem to shift "out" of gear much more easily. The PORT shift cable is worn through the PVC cover, and I will be replacing that one. The other one looks fine. I have manually attempted to enguage the ESA. Stb. side does scatter the ignition, but the PORT side does not. I have not been able to locate any replacement parts for the ESA (I'm sure they're not cheap!).<br /><br />2) STB side outdrive clunks every 5 seconds while in "REVERSE" only, as if the gears are disenguaging and reinguaging. I'm not sure if this is a gear issue, or a simpler adjustment.<br /><br />3) (shallow water maneuvering) When drives are in 50% or higher "UP" position, shifting is near impossible. Either won't enguage, or will stall out the engine when enguaged. (STB only).<br /><br />4) Odd: PORT side prop will spin while in Nuteral. I can physically stop the prop by hand. There is a very slight pressure on it, and when I let go, it will spin freely again. As if it is alost in gear, but not quite. Not sure how to troubleshoot this, and I thought the shift position was either IN or OUT of gear, not somewhere in between.<br /><br />I bought this boat two years ago from it's second owner. The engines had about 370 hours on them. Since I bought her, I have pulled the outdrives each year and greased them. I actually replace the STB engine last Spring due to a winterizing debockle. All of these issues have existed since I bought the boat, they have not gotten any worse since. I am very capabable of doing the service work, I just need to know where to start. I have SELOC manuals, and have the HASTINGS white-paper on adjusting shift-cables.<br /><br />I really want to use her a ton this summer, so I want to make sure I get everything in tip-top condition again.<br /><br />Any suggestions, advice, tips etc. will be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks guys!<br /><br />-David

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

Sounds like you need new cables and proper adjustment on both before you end up buying new gears......If it's not already too late.<br />Stiff, corroded, worn cables will cause all sorts of problems, even if they look good on the outside.<br /><br /> OMC Cobra Sterndrive Tech Info

 

[rabidfish]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

Your Johnson/Evinrude dealer can help you find the ESA modules and other parts.

 

[pra100]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

I will add that when you have your drives off and replace the cables (make sure your new ones are the red ones)take the bellcrank out(were the shift cable attaches on drive)and clean it and grease it good,also clean the area it goes in.The bellcrank tends to get really cruded up and this will keep it from shifting right..Then follow Hastings info to the letter.The only thing missing in the hastings paper is the measurement for the brass trunion on the engine end of shift cable.Or at least I couldn't find it.I did find that measurement in the Selco manual.These measurements are crucial at being right.Hope that helps.Been there done that I may add.

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

Thanks (both of you) for the advice. I did print out ALL of the Hastings info, and I did just buy the new Seloc manual specifically because of the detail on the outdrive. I'm a bit nervous about attempting this, becasue I don't want to make it worse.. it seems like it a real pain in the asss to do, but I really want to start with the simple stuff first, hoping it resolves the problem, before looking into replacing gears and such. Also, how difficult of a job is it to replace the seals on the outdrive.<br /><br />I'm not a mechanic, however, I learn quickly, and do a very thourough job. I read everything twice before doing it. Last spring, I rebuilt (from a shortblock) my stb. engine, so I'm not easily scared.. just wondering how outdrive work compares, since I've never done anything more than pulling it off to grease up the gimbal, joints, and shaft.<br /><br />-DR

 

[lakelivin]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

David,<br /><br />Please keep us informed as to how it goes , especially if you end up pulling the drive. You sound like me, and I may be facing a similar situation in the future, so I'd appreciate feedback/ tips on your experience (you might provide some info that a 'novice' might find helpful that a more experienced mechanic wouldn't even think to mention).

 

[rybad]

Re: OMC Shift, ESA, or Gear Problem

Thanks.. I will definately report back with what happens. However, I'm in Michigan, and we're experiencing a (way too) LOOOOONNNG winter. I was planning on doing this the last week of March, but may not get to it for a couple weeks afterwards. But as I said, I will post the results.<br /><br />Thanks for you assistance.<br /><br />-DR