1989 5.8 shift problems

[talies13]

1989 omc shift problem. will not shift out of gear unless i shut engine off. once i shut engine of i can shift to either forward,reverse, or neutral, but if i want to shift out of gear it wont let me. out of water it shifts fine in water not at all. i have an hei distributer with an esa shift module from aaamarine.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

It sure sounds like the shift interrupter isn't working. Has it ever worked OK since the ignition was modified?

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

NOT SURE I just put it in the water it was shifting fine out of the water. It's like the load from the water is doing something. However once I shut the motor off it is in neutral and I can choose forward or reverse but can't come out of either one until I shut the motor off.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

That is the sole purpose of the shift interrupter. Too let the outdrive come out of gear when the water is applying a load to the prop.
Was the module you used a 423-3000 CDI?

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

I do believe that's the one I have.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

Actually I think it is the cdi 123-9898-p model

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

In the description of the 123-9898p it says that "If you are using the AAA MARINE HEI marine distributor, the kit you need is 423-3000 CDI." It might be worth looking into.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

I will double check which one I have . I ordered it as a kit for the 5.8 omc I asked them 5 times to make sure it was correct. I will double check thanks.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

If it's OK, check the operation of your interrupter switch, the wiring from the switch, and the connector to the new harness. If that's OK, You've most likely got a bad module.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

I tested the switches today and they did nothing I could not get them to make the engine stumble, I even had a second set of switches and they did nothing.. maybe I have it hooked up wrong.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

Definitely recheck your wiring, but you need to test the switch with an ohm meter to eliminate it as a problem.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

I will check it all in the morning. I will update tomorrow thanks

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

update. sorry it took so long to get back. looks like cdi sent me the wrong esa, they sent me esa 123-9800 with a pig tail 423-2000. the install diagram shows that this one is for a points system. I am going to try and exchange it for the 423-3000 thanks for the help i will up date as soon as i install.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

With the shift interrupter not working it should be had to shift out of gear, not imposable. Make sure your idle speed isn't too high.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

Like wrench said it can be done,just drop the rpms down to about 550-600.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

Ok, I now have the correct cdi esa . But still no go. With it all hooked up properly it wont work.I can hook it up like a merc ,but the engine dies while shifting into neutral . Is there a trick to the cdi that I'm missing. Allso I am maxing out at 2500 rpm at 35 mph. Idle rpm is 650.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

Stalling when going into neutral usually means a bad lower shift cable. But, Is your timing set properly at 10', with the idle speed properly set at 550-600 RPM in the water in gear. What do you mean by "hook it up like a merc". Are you bypassing the over travel switch?
You should be making 4,000 to 4,400 revs!

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

when i have the cdi esa hooked up i can not come out of gear without shuting the engine off . when i bypass the over travel switch i can get the switches to work, but they dont make it stumble they just shut it off going into neutral. i know i should be geting much more rpms but i can not get over 2500, it runs perfect and comes out of the hole strong but i am missing 1500- 2000 rpms. starting to think they are related.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

The over travel switch is normally closed except when the throttle is open. So if the switch is clear of the linkage at idle, you have a bad switch or a broken wire. If you have the over travel switch bypassed, the interrupter could be activating at full throttle.
Take a look at the interrupter switch while someone else shifts it out of gear. If the linkage trips the switch for more than a split second, it's taking too much pressure to get it out of gear. Usually a bad lower shift cable.

 

[talies13]

Re: 1989 5.8 shift problems

i will have to double check the lower shift cable and make sure it is all back to specks. any idea why i cant get the cdi esa to function? i dont realy want to "rig it up like a merc" i would love the esa to work like it is supposed to . maybe i should have stuck with the points system!!