Shifting problems

[777Customs]

I have an 85 Bayliner Capri with the GM 5.0 305 c.i. carborated engine, and the OMC Cobra outdrive. The issue I'm having is that after running a while the shifter won't go back into neutral, from forward or reverse. Yet it works fine when cold. I more recently noticed that the shifter has to be pushed further to enguage, and seems to enguage a little rough. I have replaced the shift cable that goes down to the lower drive unit, which helped a little. Then I replaced the interruptor switch. Now it drops to idle fine, but stops about 1/4 inch from the neutral position and won't disenguage.

I'm an automotive mechanic and the manual I have doesn't show me how to make any cable adjustments. I'm thinking that the problem is either in the lower drive unit or in adjustments somewhere. Has someone run into this before? Or know how to adjust the shift cables properly?

 

[carolynrose]

Re: Shifting problems

I have just finished getting my cobra adjusted and it finally works perfect. As an auto mechanic I found myself falling into a thought process that you probably are.

I was having the exact same problem with mine and here is what I did to fix it and it works perfectly.

The fist thing you have to do is go out and drive the boat until you get it to full, and I mean full operating temperature (mine is 175 degrees), get out in the middle of nowhere, pull it down to idle IN GEAR and set the idle at 500-600rpms. I stress in gear idle because that is where you shift it into neutral.

I tried to adjust mine at the dock. You know that after you drive a vehicle hard for a while the idle goes up. These engines have to idle at the lowest possible rpm just barely above stall to have the cobra outdrive shift easily.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Shifting problems

The lower shift cable adjustment is critical.
It must be done with the drive removed and everything measured to exact specs per the OEM service manual.
The after market Seloc and Clymers books do NOT show you the correct way.

Either adjust it correctly or figure on dropping a few grand on a new lower unit.
And yes the idle does need to be around 600 in gear while in the water.

Your boat must be a late model year 1985 to have a Cobra drive.
They actually started using Cobras in 1986.

Here is the real manual.It has step by step instructions with pictures to adjust the shift cable...
The book is worth every penny!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986...e?hash=item5630a2c26a&_trksid=p4506.m20.l1116

 

[777Customs]

Re: Shifting problems

I just found out that I was mistaken in the year. It is actually an 88. Thanks everyone for your info. I appreciate it a lot.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Shifting problems

Get the manual......its still the same as an 86..