1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

[#1CATDADDY]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

I did try all ways to get it out of reverse...full range of motion with key on and off, but stays in reverse gear. It will even start in gear, which is new to me. I did look at the red cable that you mention but can't tell if it is binding. I had enough fun yesterday trying to put it on the trailer with just reverse drive so I haven't gotten under the hood to see about that cable at the other end.So, I guess the only way to get into neutral is to pull lower unit and get to that cable for exchange(?).

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

Sounds like the cable has completely gone now. Time to pull the drive and have a look. Probably going to find a frayed cable down at the lower end.

Have you pulled a drive before?

 

[#1CATDADDY]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

Nope.

I am struggling with whether to attempt this by going online and trying to locate an OMC manual when I really don't know much about it, even though I am really hands on. Then, i wonder what else will go out on this 16 year old boat, but I can't really think about selling a boat that doesn't at least run for a demo.
It sounds pretty in depth just looking at the little bit of info this Clymer manual shows.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

Don't use the Clymer manual. You really want to get the OMC manual. That being said, there were some changes over the years in the OMC procedure and there were some addendums to the original manuals. Most of it is common sense and there were a few extra things that I did that the manual doesn't talk about to get the adjustment perfect.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it, at least try to find someone that has experience with the OMC Cobra so it is done correctly. See if they will let you watch the procedure so you can do it the next time and learn how to take off the drive.

Too bad you don't live out this way...I would be happy to show you how to do it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

It is a little unorganized but once you readi t around 20 times you will get the idea of what he is talking about. Probably the most in depth discussion anywhere about the shift cable replacement and adjustment.

EDIT: I see from an early post that you have read this before. Read the manual first to get a better idea what is invloved and then read the Hastings site again.

Two things I highly reccomend are:

1) If you can possibly rent the tool that sets the bellcrank angle at the sterndrive side...get it. That way you can get an initial set to all your cables up at the engine without the bellcrank moving all over the place. Setting the bellcrank at 90 degrees is critical so that both reverse and forward get the same amout of throw.

2) Your shifter condition is critical on Cobras. If there is any "lost motion" on the control, it will be hard to get the shift adjustment perfect. What I mean by "lost motion" is that when you move the Shift handle, the cable doesn't move immdiately. Another source of "lost motion" is the cable from the shift control back to the engine not being supported along its entire length. If it isn't supported, moving the shift handle moves the cable housing around.

The best thing I ever did was buy a high quality shifter for my boat. That along with a new lower shift cable made shifting a dream.

 

[#1CATDADDY]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

Actually I did recently replace the Shifter with a new recommended Teleflex from iboats that is a little stiffer than the 16 year old one, but needed a new trim switch anyway, and it wasn't cheap. I am sure that the cables are all in need of repair, but a lot of this boat is probably on the verge.

I will start looking for the OMC manual thru ebay and the forum sites i got earlier. Even I decide to sell it I will have a manual to include for the price. And, iboats should have the cables right?

What part of Cali are you in? I have a daughter in Redondo Beach. I guess I could tow it out there one weekend and leave it there and pay you the decent wage to repair it...

Thanks for the continued support

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

For the price of gas to tow it here, you can get it fixed out there.

I believe the OMC cable part number is 0987661(You should probably check). Not sure what aftermarket ones are available. They are around $175 but can be bought discounted from that around 18%.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

See if you can get this manual or one like it, if you truly have a 1991 OMC? Post the engine model # to verify, sometimes dealers put leftover year old stock in the boats when they sold them
1991 OMC Manual

 

[#1CATDADDY]

Re: 1991 Seaswirl 208 5.7 L Omc Advise

Just kiddin...but at least I know you'd fix it right .

I may try this one old repair shop out by the lake that I had used once before, and I would get the parts ahead of time. My time unfortunately is valuable too, so it might be better to try a mechanic that is at least somewhat familiar. It's just the old OMC is a dinosaur, and all of the mechanics are young boys...