Re: How to PROPERLY use OMC lower shift cable tools?
View attachment OMC shift rod adjustment 1.bmp
http://forums.iboats.com/omc-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/transom-shift-cable-tools-532964.html
This is about as close as you will find, very good I did mine with the same tools and it shifts great. Keep in mind checking the cable drag with a fish scale is important (less than 2lbs) and also you may have to adjust the cable that comes from the shift control at the bellcrank on the engine bracket.
Instructions can be found here, look at both and see which one applies to your shift system....
Midnight Wolf Sales - OMC Tools
I did all of the adjustments on the transom shift cable but still had to adjust the cable from the control to the bell crank to get equal shift throw in FWD and REV.
Keep in mind its not just adjustments:
1) bellcrank in pivot housing needs to be cleaned out and greased, deposits build up behind it and restrict movement
2) shift cable drag VERY important
3) engine idle should be 550-600 in gear in the water, too high and it won't shift well
4) ESA system must be working
5) if you add an electronic distributor to get rid of points, make sure you get an ESA module that will work with it or else you won't be able to shift to neutral
6) if you throttle/shift control is worn out with lost motion you have to change that first, it will never work right if there is lost motion in the control cable. Some Bayliners came with piece of crap control that should be tossed out to start.
7) probably should have put this first, since we start with the drive OFF, make sure shift lever (rod) height is correct.
You need a smooth cable, clean and lubed bellcrank, equal shift throw in foward and reverse, a functioning ESA system to let you shift to neutral, and an engine in good enough tune not to stall when the ESA drops the idle down to 450 rpm for a split second to let the clutch dog release. And a positive shift control as well. If your old one is all sloppy and worn out, don't bother taking it apart, get a new one like a Teleflex CH 1700.
Thats my take on it after 12 years of OMC Cobra ownership.
