Engine Bracket & ESA Troubleshooting Part 2 - Shifter Rod Adjustment - OMC Cobra Volvo Penta SX

Part 2 goes over the shifter rod adjustment. Not checking the shifter height could lead to forward/reverse engagement issues. The height setup is probably the hardest part because the rod height is in the thousandths. I adjusted mine at the following heights and was able to get forward/reverse to engage: 6 - 15/16 to 7 - 1/8 with no issues. Word of advice: install the stern drive and test before you use a new gasket/gasket compound. You will find forward engagement issues the closer your rod height gets to 7-1/4. Please keep in mind there are two different shift detents. Mine is measured using the new style shift detent.

[@stevetoews9984]

Hey. I have a 1989 5.7 omc cobro 350 small block. I have had problems getting it in reverse and with hydro locking. My flapper valves need to be replaced. So I hope that solves my whole engine flooding problem. Boat starts are runs good. I will try and adjust the esa and overstroke so as I get the new flappers in and new riser gaskets. Can I email you and send you a pic of my esa setup? It goes in forward fine. but reverse overstroke or esa needs adjustment. my setup is a bit different then the esa on part 3, 4. I might need to raise my throttle. It was high last year. I might have lowered it to much. Thanks. You have been so much help already

[@danparis2456]

Very good

[@alviomantecon5951]

Can you make a video putting them back together

[@TheSheldonDennis]

So I just re did the bearings in my sterndrive, got it all back together, and installed and I have no forward or reverse! The fork and everything shifter wise is the same, should this have been something that I checked before install?

[@MrAirsoft0917]

Where do you get all your parts for the OMC?

[@juerzell]

Very complicate 😅You must not split the upper and lower unit and mesure. You can use the OMC lower shift cable adjustment tool (normally usable for the transom side) on the mirror side (Antagonist on upper gearcase), too. Use two long 12mm screws and fix the tool at the 2 lowest holes in front of the shiftrod. Sorry for my bad english.

[@72wildside]

I have a 1981 OMC cobra outdrive. Having trouble finding parts. Only see 1986-1991 Do you know where I might find the right parts?

[@Edward-bk3vu]

You I stored the boat for 4 months and now it's frozen won't shift in to gear forward or reverse. Shift shafts frozen in cover . Dose the shift rode come out with the cover ? . And how do I do it . The manual says to pull the rod out from the cover and the pictures show the shift rode out of the io Also how do you get the ride out

[@griffith535]

Hi Michael .. hopefully can you advise ... the manual suggests a shift rod height setting of 7 and 13/64 inches which equals 18.30 mm. Your setting suggests 7.207 inches which equates to 18.30 mm ... in addition there is a outer KZbin suggestion of 7.156 inches which in mm is 181.76 mm ? I am slightly confused and very nervous of installing the wrong setting . Can you please advise further .. I have machined a little alloy bridge which will enable me to very accurately take my measurement from the caseing faces .. ( I am installing the new type detent.. I assume height settings will be the same as for the new type and old type as the ball centre position is likely in the same position ? Any assistance greatly appreciated

[@michaelromer2016]

Sorry for the delay. Did you ever complete this?

[@seanfredlock6178]

i have the omc and my problem is neutral is hard to obtain i can get it but need to tap the handle to get into neutral, any ideas n what the problem could be . thanks in advance , and this is the case from both forward and reverse, seams to me the neutral window is very small.

[@michaelromer2016]

Sean Fredlock I'd get your stern drive off and start checking the drag on your shift cable. Check for bell crank issues, manually move your shift rod. Either way, you need to start working through these parts.

[@MrSquareZB]

what is the force , neccessary to make shift from F-N-R ? did you ever measure this? is that data proscibed by OMC/VP ?

[@michaelromer2016]

You should be around 7 pounds.

[@davidsantos6438]

I have a question regarding the initial threading settings for the shift rod into the housing. How many turns should it be in the housing before making adjustments to the top shaft linkage?

[@michaelromer2016]

David. The rod needs to be threaded all the way down into the lower unit. If not, you will likely strip the threads over time. Do me a favor and hit that subscribe button! Thanks!

[@davidsantos6438]

@@michaelromer2016 thanks so much so the final measurement is taken withbthe shift rod fully threaded into the housing. Much appreciated i couldnt find the answer anywhere.

[@snipe05]

Hey I have been trying to locate some info about a potential problem I have been having. I have an 1993 Four Winns Horizon 190 with an OMC 5.0 and cobra out drive. We have it had any issues until our last use. When we shift into gear it it locks in and as we speed up there is a point where it seems like it is engaging into gear again. Make a clunk noise. It will do it at a low or higher speed, almost like it's at a certain time after being shifted into gear. It only does it the once until it is shifted out of gear and back in.

[@michaelromer2016]

If you haven’t swapped out your shift cable, it’s 99% of these type of issues. Check out my video on it. It’s a two part series.

[@snipe05]

@@michaelromer2016 I have been looking into it more and I do have the red cable installed and it shifts fairly easy. It might have something to do with the idle speed maybe. It seems a bit high. I noticed than last time we were out that when we shifted into neutral the rpm idled quite high.

[@jandjmca]

Mine shifts fine when cold but warmed up doesn't want to go in reverse, which is a problem as i am pulling up to dock will not go in reverse

[@michaelromer2016]

Go out somewhere safe and let someone shift it into reverse, while you watch it.

[@metamor5u]

Dear michael, i do have a very serious problem, i changed the shift cable twice because the first was broken in middle and the second due to bad adjustment, after checking many videos and some of yours it come to my mind to replace the old detent to the new one, so i got the new one but when i opened the gear to replace it i found the gear kit and dog clutch are not in good condition so i change it to new one. i took it to mechanical and he said no need to change the detent and now he confuse me should i do it or not? NOte that my big problem me and my mechanical we dont know the correct adjustment for the shift shaft and when i search i didn't understand this number that you was mentioning 7"-1/8 or 6-15/16. i believe the number 7 and 6 are inch from hard top not cover. but what about (1/8) and (15/6) in manual also it show 7 - 13/64" whats the meaning of 13/64. how to measure it or how to understand it? or its too much easy and i cant see it or its quit complected and out of my smartness. i need your help please you are the last survival in this planet who can explain me. reply me with your number and i will call you better than keeping writing to me. thank you for all your video and your time it help a lot of people around the world and me one of them.

[@michaelromer2016]

1st. Upgrading the detent extends the life of the shift cable and makes shifting easier. Watch these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWjCapdtrriUn8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZXNmHuCqtCnqKc 2nd. 1/8, 15/16, 13/64 are all fractions as part of the imperial system of measurement (United States). It's likely you are use to using millimeters or the metric system. For that reason, I will convert my measurements for you. From the top of your shift cover, measure between 176-183 mm (if your OMC was made in 1992-1993) to the very top of the shift rod. As in the very, very, top of the shift rod. If your OMC is 1991 and older (e.g., 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987), then measure it at 183 mm. Once your shifter height is at 184 mm and higher, you will start to have engagement problems in forward. It best to configure it just under 183 mm, (e.g, 181-182 mm).

[@metamor5u]

Michel,thanks for the video it was helpful, now I'm about to close the gear and this video for the shift shaft adjustment I didn't really get it, what's the meaning of 6 - 15/16 ??

[@Cswrl220]

Do you know the part number for the repair kit which includes the seals you mentioned? Thanks.

[@michaelromer2016]

Here you go: www.crowleymarine.com/parts/13936.cfm

[@yearight259]

Michael Romer I like your videos they are very nolligable, my question or problem is when I shift in to forwards it will not go all the way in gear. It drives but clunks. So I have to open the hood and push with my foot on the bracket to finish the shift process and then it’s fine. The bracket that you we’re talking about where the interrupter switch is if I just push that towards the back of the boat just like a half inch it goes all the way in to gear and drives good. But when I try and adjust the cable I loose reverse or forward. What do you think?

[@michaelromer2016]

I have a whole video series on fixing your issue. It's likely you have a shift cable issue.

[@Jayrs1234]

Do you have a video on replacing the shift rod?

[@michaelromer2016]

I do actually. Check through my videos. I have it titled in the description.

[@DanDeZinna33]

Hey mike! I’m currently setting mine up and the manual calls for 7.203 or 7 -13/64! Is this not correct?? I have a 1990 sunbird Corsica with the OMC cobra.

[@michaelromer2016]

That’s fine. Just measure from the very top of the shifter to the base, not the shift cover. Please hit the subscribe button!

[@DanDeZinna33]

Michael Romer thank you for the quick reply! I used a 8” caliper and set it to the measurement and then used a metal ruler across the top of the shifter to the machined mating surface to get an exact measurement. Was right on the money! Crossing my fingers it shifts okay when I get everything else together. I’ve been watching all of your videos and they’re such a huge help! Thank you for taking the time for make them! I am subscribed and have the bell on! 👍

[@alancook5281]

Does anyone know what measurement you use if you have a full replacement lower from SEI? I have no idea which shift detent it uses www.sterndrive.cc/product/Fits-OMC-Sterndrive-OMC-Cobra-0985586.html

[@michaelromer2016]

I imagine it used the updated shift detent. I'm not sure if I mentioned it in this video, but you can tell which detent is installed by judging it by hand. The pulling force to get it into gear is way easier with the upgraded detent. Do you have the older lower to compare with? The pulling and pushing force, to me, feels almost effortless with the upgraded detent.

[@alancook5281]

@@michaelromer2016 I do have the original unit, the effort to shift the SEI lowervs. the original lower is significant. The SEI unit is definitely easier to shift. It's not the best comparison because the original lower did have a gear failure. The measurement I get with a tape measure from the cover (larger main area NOT the boss where the shift shaft runs through) to the top of the shift shaft bracket thing is really close to 7". I'll contact SEI and see if they can give me a target measurement

[@alancook5281]

SEI just reported that the shift height is set at the factory. Approximately 7.25" (I measured with a measuring tape)

[@vamonosvargas]

If Your measurement from the Top to the Tof the cover , wouldn't you be adding that 255 thousandths ?????

[@michaelromer2016]

I got a little too serious with the micrometer...

[@vamonosvargas]

No not really , the micrometer measurements are good , I'm a machinist so I really like the attention to detail , it makes people pay attention , but allow me to ask again , so from the top to the casting is 7 inches , around 6 3/4 to the top of cover plate , not the boss where the shaft goes in but on the cover plate ???

[@patrickburd2247]

Why isn’t my shift shaft adjustable??

[@michaelromer2016]

It is adjustable in the sense that you can screw the shaft further in or out as needed to change the height. Please subscribe!