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OMC Cobra Outdrive Having Trouble Shifting to Reverse-gctid391756

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  • OMC Cobra Outdrive Having Trouble Shifting to Reverse-gctid391756

    First off, thank you all for your assistance in getting my raw water pump/impeller replaced. The housing on my old one was melted and the liner had actually turned in the housing. Got new one in, runs at around 170. Easy job, but first time for me, so thank you.

    Next issue. I've only driven this boat 4-5 times so far (b/c of the cooling issue). From the upper helm, it would not always go into reverse, but rather, when trying to get into reverse, the gears would kind of drag together, like they just weren't popping into place. I could get it from the lower (in cabin) helm though.

    Boat is a 1988 Bayliner 2556 with 5.7 OMC, and Cobra outdrive.

    When taking it out of the water to get the water pump replaced, reverse started to be kinda tricky, like I really had to pull it down, gears would not quite get there, and then they would pop into place and she would go. Got it out of the water, replaced water pump. Once back in the water though, I couldn't for the life of me get it to go into reverse. I would shift, gears would kind of grind/rattle same as before, but this time, no popping in. Goes into forward fine. It reminds of driving a stick shift car where you don't pull the shifter all the way into gear, and the gears kinda run together, but just aren't where they need to be to go.

    I am really hoping this is a shift cable issue and not an outdrive/gear issue. My question is, is there a way to manually shift the outdrive into gears at the engine? I.e. to verify that reverse in the outdrive works, and that the cables are the problem? I've read a bunch of threads here on adjusting shift cables, but haven't really seen any where it describes what is going on when the cable is out of adjustment. I am also really hoping I can do any work necessary for this in the water.

    Thoughts?

    Also, what manual would you recommend for outdrive/shifting repairs? I have the Seloc manual for this, and it talks plenty about rebuilding the outdrive (upper and lower), but does not really have a diagnosis section on shifting, adjusting cables, or even how the entire shifting system works or is supposed to work.

    Thanks in advance. You guys are awesome.

  • #2
    My question is, is there a way to manually shift the outdrive into gears at the engine? I.e. to verify that reverse in the outdrive works, and that the cables are the problem?
    Yes, remove the cables from the shift bracket on the engine that go to your helm stations.

    Leave the cable going to the out drive connected to the lever on the bracket.

    Use this lever as your shifter, if things are normal from the bracket to the out drive it should shift nice and smooth.
    " WET EVER "
    1989 2459 TROPHY OFFSHORE 5.8L COBRA / SX
    mmsi 338108404
    mmsi 338124956
    "I started with nothing and still have most of it left"

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    • #3
      dktool wrote:
      Yes, remove the cables from the shift bracket on the engine that go to your helm stations.

      Leave the cable going to the out drive connected to the lever on the bracket.

      Use this lever as your shifter, if things are normal from the bracket to the out drive it should shift nice and smooth.
      Assuming that is the case, adjustments to the shift cables should take care of that?

      Is it possible to have one shift cable out of whack, and the other be ok? I am wondering because originally it was tough to get into reverse from the upper helm, but the lower one was ok. Now it's both. I am wondering if I disconnect the upper helm if that would do it. I don't mind running from one helm, I just want to get the boat out. Tons of money dropped and I have yet to get it out of the harbor.

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      • #4
        jmg-in-alask wrote:
        Assuming that is the case, adjustments to the shift cables should take care of that?

        Is it possible to have one shift cable out of whack, and the other be ok?
        Absolutely!
        2007 Discovery 246
        300mpi BIII
        Welcome island Lake Superior

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        • #5
          What ever you do don't keep grinding gears. No after market manual that I've seen covers the adjustment adequatly. If you search onthis site or google for that matter for OMC Cobra shifting you should find a link from Hastings on shifting adjustments relating back to original manuals and letters from OMC. It works!

          It sounds like you had a mis adjustment between your upper and lower controls and not the transfer cable which would call for pulling the drive. I don't know the adjustment or settings between the two controller but I would think youmust verify the one is neutral before the other is in control.

          Good luck but don't grind the Cobra.

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          • #6
            When the lower shift cable breaks, the OMC will shift into forward, but not reverse.

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            • #7
              You need the OEM manuals. PM sent.

              Make all the cable adjustments shown, at least all those you can do with the drive on. Don't overlook the upper (not upper helm) cable throw adjustment (page 11-14), it is important too.

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