Re: 1987 2.3L OMC makes "bump" noise every 6 seconds...
The very first cable (the one that was specific to the recall) was a "black, ribbed" cable. They did have a "smooth" cable for a while that was black, but for the most part, you should have the red cable. Note, that the red cable can also fail and cause problems. So, it needs to be checked. Again, I would suggest you have the outdrive cable checked with the outdrive off, the proper locating tools installed to ensure that all is within specs. There are quite a few service bulletins out about shift system checks and rectifing problems. One of the most common problems concerning cable failures is the "missing" plastic sleeve that is supposed to be wrapped around the shift cable up inside the large tube from the outside to the inside of the boat. This "sleeve" allows the shift cable to "slide" inside the tube while tilting, trimming or turning the outdrive. Without this sleeve, you have a rubber coated cable rubbing/pulling/grabbing onto the larger tube. It will cause the smaller shift cable to pull itself apart at the mating point where the outer rubber casing attaches to the brass anchor point. Many mechanics don't install these sleeves correctly OR don't think they need to install them. As the cable starts to fail, shift adjustments are out of spec. Problems arise..... Again, you should have a good manual and a trustworthy season'd OMC tech for a friend.