92 four winns 190 OMC shift cable problem

[@kyleadam123]

I just did this on my 1992 OMC 4.3 19ft 4winns. Same bracket and everything. It was a pain to get everything to work properly with that switch. I adjusted my bottom cable front attachment bolt just below the center mark. Then with the motor running in the driveway I adjusted to top cable at the back where the plastic finger screw thing is. Whenever you turn that always make sure you are moving it in the direction that the ESA switch stays somewhat centered in that W bracket. As I adjusted it I put it in forward and then reverse to see if it engaged properly. Only turn that plastic top adjuster a couple turns and try gears again. It took me an hour of messing with it but as you check the gear engagement you learn which way helps forward and which way helps reverse, then you gotta find that happy in between. I also think I should replace the cables eventually. When I shift from reverse to neutral the Esa switch doesn't quite center and it stalls a little until I jiggle the throttle just right to center the switch. It's the best I could get it but gets into gear great now. 👍

[@loganpotts9623]

It would probably go into reverse with the engine running... the clutch cant function properly down there if prop isn't rotating

[@matthewflowers7457]

Did you replace the shift cable? I just replaced mine and had the same issue. I made a minor adjustment at the throttle shifter side and that helped. There are 2 holes you can attach the shift cable to. Try the other hole.

[@TallTom77]

I have the same single switch bracket as you. I'm trying to figure out what makes the interrupter switch actuator move to one side or the other. The rocker arm and both cables move freely, what pushes the actuator over? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Tom

[@tabletop45]

i know this is a year old comment you made, and maybe you've done more research on the subject and found your answer, but what causes that "load lever" to move is purely resistance caused by the "dog clutch" in the outdrive meshing together. when you shift into forward or reverse, the cable encounters resistance as the gears come together, which pushes back on the cable and that W shaped load lever. that will rock the switch over and activate the ESA system which will stumble the engine, slow the spinning gears down so that they can engage and disengage easier. once that is achieved, the resistance goes away on the cable and the bracket returns to the center of that W. that is why it is so important that there's no EXTRA resistance introduced into the system via malfunctioning shift cable, bent/ broken components, faulty ESA module etc. all this needs to be working in perfect harmony together for the system to work properly. most common cause of this system malfunctioning is the shift cable gets worn/stretched/corroded in its cable jacket.

[@evboatconversion.electricboat]

@@tabletop45 Thanks

[@thomasziolkowski8036]

I just replaced my lower cable and I am having the exact same problem? Any advice on how you got it fixed?

[@daviddesantis9392]

Did you figure out the problem?