OMC Shift Cable Reversed

[edgeracing]

I just had the lower unit of my OMC 800 (84 manual) replaced and a new lower shift cable installed. I re-installed the outdrive paying very careful attention to the manual and the correct procedure. However, the controls are now backwards. To shift into forward, I must pull the handle towards me. Since there is only limited movement of the throttle in this position I can only get about 3500RPM.<br /><br />I bought the boat knowing the lower unit needed replacing....so this is the first time in the water for me.<br /><br />My question is: Can the remote control be switched, or did the mechanic (an OMC expert) just screw up?

 

[jawzzy]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

if it's the same as mine (1983), and I think it is, you may have switched the cables in the white cable control box when you reinstalled the outdrive. You may want to look at that first. I guess it's possible the mechanic srewed up, but I would suggest you check out your end first. <br />Good luck

 

[edgeracing]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

yes the 83 and 84 are the same. I assume you are referring to the control box attached to the imtermediate housing. There are 2 cables in the shift cable...a long and a short one that can only connect one possible way. I took it apart and double checked everything to make sure that it was installed correctly. I didn't think it was possible to install either end of the cable backwards.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

Sounds like you got the cable reversed on the lower unit.

 

[jawzzy]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

Originally posted by KaGee:<br /> Sounds like you got the cable reversed on the lower unit.

Looks like I'd have to agree with KaGee as you're right about the long and short cable, but thought it was worth the look. The only other thing I can think of is that the piece connecting the shifter cable to the control box is upside down, but that's very unlikely as I'm not sure the cable would reach then. Good luck!!

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

ummm.. oh oh... did OMC make a LH rotation 800 drive?<br /><br />I guess the first question is does the shifting at the converter hsg match the decal for F N R... if not, the problem is NOT in the outdrive.. it's between the helm and the engine. i.e. the shift control up front. maybe the OLD lower was from a LH drive and someone monkeyed with the controls to make it work.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

Na.... Hystat he just got the cable reversed on the bottom side. Never heard of a setup like you describe.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

but he, or someone else on another board said the 2 cable ends are a bit different shape and cant be mixed up in the lower...

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

Sure nuff... you are right... I forgot about that. Had to look at the book, been a while since I was in that area.

 

[edgeracing]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

thanks for all the input Guys.<br /><br />I went back to the mechanic and he said he just dropped a whole new cable and assembly that was in the parts bin. He figures that it must have had the end of the cable wound backwards on the pulley in the shift housing. So the boat comes and he is going to repair it...on his time.

 

[Phantom17]

Re: OMC Shift Cable Reversed

Real odd question as I have never even looked at one of these before, but is there any chance the gears were swapped? Forward in the reverse position etc etc. I would imagine they probably wouldn't install, but..........