OMC Sterndrive - Goes in reverse only

[sjurgensmeier]

I have a question that I hope can be answered. I bought a 1984 Cimmaron last year and at the end of the season we had it on the lake and all of a sudden it would only go in reverse. It is an OMC Sterndrive motor.

Even when we had it in forward gear it would go in reverse. Does anybody have any ideas on what I need to do.

 

[cr2k]

Re: OMC Sterndrive - Goes in reverse only

Start by looking at the shift cable form the converter box atop the rear of the engine.

Have someone shift back and forth and see if the lever moves both ways.

No...either your throttle/shift box or your shift cable

YES...either your shift cables (inside the rounded flat rubber cable that goes out the back of the drive) or problems in your outdrive.

If you take pictures and can remember how it goes back together take the shift lever off the box and then the big screws to pull the cover off.

Inside you will see a quadrant and 2 steel cables. Are they on the proper pullys or are they loose?

move the quadrant back and forth and see if all works.

then go to the stickies above and find the right manual for the converter box
because there are a few important steps to pull the cables off and check them out, and if not done correctly you will be mad at me and have to go to the manual anyway.

Always keep in mind the cables should never twist or cross over each other.
I have seen it happen where someone gets them crossed and for some reason everything works fine for awhile until they finally catch then things like you explain can happen.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: OMC Sterndrive - Goes in reverse only

If what you mean by, "even in forward it goes into reverse", that it is always in reverse, as in its stuck in gear. Then your problem is most likely a broken cable guide in the transom assembly. It's the black plastic thing attached to the cable end in the transom assy that accuates the shift linkage.