1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

M

Mr.Big

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Hello!

I have a 1989 Liberator 261 with the the twin Ford 460 package and I had a Shift Assist Module go bad. Sounds like an easy replacement, right?

I wish... Here's my story and I'm hoping to get some insight. In short, the OMC manual calls out for a part # that is now obsolete, and I was suggested to use the CDI aftermarket part# 123-9898P. So I installed this module, and while the motor did 'burp', it was still almost impossible to return to neutral after shifting into gear. (which cluncked anyway) A little disgruntled I swapped the module from the other motor (this one works) and it shifted perfect. So I accepted the fact that the manual was wrong, and I purchased another module, part # 987564, which was a cross-reference compatible to 987571 (module part # on other motor). Well, this one didn't work either. So at 70 bucks a piece one could see that this scenario is getting old very quick. I've attahced a picture from the engine and module that works, which happens to be #987571 (above cross-reference number). And now I see there are multiple variations of this aftermarket module, and I fear I may end up buying way more modules than I want too....if I can even find the right one at all.

Doe anyone have any experience with these modules? Why does my Ford package use a module that has Chevy printed on it? What do the numbers on the module mean? (29D1C-BA?? Perhaps this is the difference among module variations?)

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have! :cool:

-- Mike


SAModule.jpg
 
H

HT32BSX115

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

Oh no! Not another Lib!!;)



Howdy Mike! and Welcome aboard!

The ESA for OMC engines was pretty much similar or the same across many models. (although I am pretty sure the one I had on my 460 DID not say CHEV on it!)

Here's what I got from the BRP parts site. http://epc.brp.com/

SHIFT ASSIST MODULE. For service use 987738 for 1990 & prior 5.0 & 5.7 L Chevy engines and 7.5L Ford engines. Use 987739 for 1990 & prior 5.0 & 5.8L Ford engines.
Click to expand...

The system is not complicated. It "pulses" the ignition to produce torque pulses. You also need to ensure that your idle RPM is around 600-650 or so. If it turns any higher, the clutch dogs may not separate.


Post a picture of the boat too! I would LOVE to have a 261! (I'd want aluminum 383's though, with Bravo III's!!)


Regards,


Rick
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M

Mr.Big

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

Thanks for the welcome and the feedback!

I have manually pulsed the engine, and it sounds exactly like the port motor pulse that works. So the pulses sound identical, but nevertheless, it doesn't work. There must be a timing difference, a pulse difference, or perhaps a electronic ignition vs. point ignition problem? I swapped the modules from motor to motor and the failure mode follows.

The chevy module on the port is listed as a 'prestolite BID' ESA module, yet the system is still points?? perhaps that's part of the problem as well...

Sign me up for the 383's and Bravo III's!

Thanks for the link, I'll look into it and cross my fingers!View attachment 113698
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

So are your engines converted to an electronic ignition or are they still points?

If converted to electronic, what type of electronic ignition?
 
H

HT32BSX115

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

bruceb58 said:
So are your engines converted to an electronic ignition or are they still points?

If converted to electronic, what type of electronic ignition?
Click to expand...


Yeah....and re post that picture too! It didn't seem to work before!


Love those LIBs!! (The Four Winns kind.....not the other kind!
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)
 
H

HT32BSX115

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

Actually.......there IS another boat that is affectionally called "lib"!!

View attachment 113744


It's just left to the reader to decide!!!
toothlessgiggler.gif
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

You are correct...not very funny! Thought it was going to be based on this little guy --->
toothlessgiggler.gif
 
M

Mr.Big

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Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

Not converted.... still have points.... and thats the strange part, I think the module that is on the Port side is made for a BID distributor (which it's not)?? and it's not the module that the manual calls out for... (Chevy 5.7?)

I think I may just purchase another module with the same part number as the port and cross my fingers.

ok, hopegully my attachment works this time!View attachment 113947
 
H

HT32BSX115

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Messages
10,083
Re: 1989 Liberator 261 Shift Assist Module Replacement Question..

Mr.Big said:
Not converted.... still have points.... and thats the strange part, I think the module that is on the Port side is made for a BID distributor (which it's not)?? and it's not the module that the manual calls out for... (Chevy 5.7?)

I think I may just purchase another module with the same part number as the port and cross my fingers.

ok, hopegully my attachment works this time!View attachment 113947
Click to expand...


Yeah. That didn't work either
vBulletin Message

Invalid Attachment specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator
Click to expand...



SHIFT ASSIST MODULE. For service use 987738 for 1990 & prior 5.0 & 5.7 L Chevy engines and 7.5L Ford engines.
Click to expand...

Assuming the switches and cable are working properly, I suspect if you're not using the above model ESA, you'll need to get one (or the equivalent)
 
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