Shifting in Reverse...ESA issues

[sweetsmarsh]

hi guys! My 91 4.3 OMC Cobra will not shift into reverse without the engine missing and about killing. It goes into forward fine but when I go to shift into reverse the ESA won't let it without about killing the engine first. If I gas it real quick it comes out of it sometimes. It shift fine as far as the gears but this engine/shift adjustment is driving me nuts. i have the original OMC manual for my drive, I followed the instructions to a T. At least I think I am. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated! No matter what I do it shift into forward good but not to reverse. Both cables from contol are new. Shift cable to drive is in good shape and the newer red one. I can shift it manually just fine. It did not do this before the new cables. I ordered them from boats.net so I believe they are good quality.

Also anyone ever have problems with muffs not letting water get to the impellor? I ahve to go out and hold it tight ever now and then or it looses prime.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Shifting in Reverse...ESA issues

Howdy,

You have something binding when going into gear.

The ESA doesn't activate when going into either FWD or REV and if it does....then the force required to move the cable/shifter is too much.

If you haven't seen the Hasting article, you might have a look ....... http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

Incidentally, The raw water pumps will not work if they suck air.....they easily lose prime.

And, your ESA should NEVER activate going into or out of gear when running out of the water.....(I.E. on MUFFS)


Welcome to iboats!


Rick

 

[sweetsmarsh]

Re: Shifting in Reverse...ESA issues

The cables move with ease. There is no binding at that I can tell. When does the ESA work then? I have seen the direction from your link and have tried this as well. Before I changed the cables it did not do this. I did also just swapped the upper gearbox as well. The people I bought boat from didn't inform me that a bearing missing from behind my waterpump. I greased the shift rod before I put it back together. It shift manual just fine. I think my problem is the initial set up from shift cable from the control. Not sure where to adjust it so that the switch is centered for the first step. Thanks again!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Shifting in Reverse...ESA issues

I did also just swapped the upper gearbox as well.

Why did you swap the upper? (other than the bearing missing?) I do hope you refilled the drive with oil exactly as the service manual indicates..... (not via the drain port)

Any time you're out of the water, the amount of force to move the lower shift cable/shift actuator and shift shaft etc, should be less than that required to overcome the shift interrupter spring.

Going into gear (in the water or not) should never require enough force to overcome the spring and move the shift actuator (activating the ESA)

When you're in the water, the torque on the (slightly undercut dog-clutches) takes quite a bit more force to pull apart. you'll easily overcome the spring tension and move the shift actuator briefly activating the ESA.....the torque pulses will allow momentary reductions in torque sufficient to pull them apart......

Have a look at the following link.

http://epc.brp.com/

(you do not have to put in an email address.) select the drop down menu and select STERN DRIVE)

find your year and model and you can look at parts pictures....

Your problem sounds a lot like an adjustment problem.

I am not sure anyone can talk you through an adjustment but if you have an OEM manual, it's pretty clear how to do it......

 

[sweetsmarsh]

Re: Shifting in Reverse...ESA issues

The bearing missing tore up the case. I did fill it up the correct way. The money I spent on the manual was well worth it!
I did find out the prop locks in both directions meaning it does not ratchet in either direction depending on if in F or R. Think my plan is to unhook shift cable, turn prop and see if I can get to ratchet. Think you may be right might be to much tension on it. Thanks for the help so far!