OMC stringer 800 shift problems

[scottkanderson]

I was out on the lake today, and the boat was running and shifting fine. We were wakeboarding and shut of the engine while the rider got back in the boat. When I restarted it and put it into forward gear it made the noise like it was engaging, but the engine just reved up as it was in neutral but did not go anywhere. I turned it off and stared it again and still no forward. I then put it into reverse and it worked. I then put it into forward and it started working. I did not want to run the boat at speed because I did not know what was wrong. I went at a wakeless speed back to the dock. Now I need to know what to start looking for, or if I should go back to lake and try it at speed to see if it is now working. Any help would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />It is a 1986 OMC 4.3L with a stringer outdrive. There was no sound of grinding gears that I could hear. It just stopped working

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC stringer 800 shift problems

If it's an '86 with a 4.3 you have a Cobra drive, not a Stringer. <br /><br />Possibly you have the beginning of shift cable problems or out of adjustment.<br /><br />Courtesy of DonS: Here is a link to a LOT of information on the ESA and shifting of the OMC Cobra drive.<br /> http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/index.html <br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[scottkanderson]

Re: OMC stringer 800 shift problems

No. It is a stringer. They made a 4.3L with stringer drive in 85 and 86. I know the Cobra came out in 86 but mine is a stringer.

 

[KaGee]

Re: OMC stringer 800 shift problems

My bad, just looked up the manual, you are right. A few of that combo were made right before switching over to Cobra drives.<br /><br />Still, if the problem continues I would be investigating the shift cable and adapter for wear or possible stretching of the cable. I would also be checking the shift interupt switches for proper alignment and operation.<br />You will need a manual to assist you.

 

[marlinempress]

Re: OMC stringer 800 shift problems

Make sure all your cables and stuff inside the shift converter housing are where they're supposed to be. Sometimes they can come off the pulleys inside and cause problems. The shift converter housing is the thing probably above the engine where the upper shift cable from the controller enters one side and the larger rubber lower shift cable goes out the other side to the outdrive.

 

[scottkanderson]

Re: OMC stringer 800 shift problems

Thanks for all the help. I will check all of these things when I get a chance. Probably not untill next week. I kind of hope it is just a spun prop, but the other input is great so I will know what to check if it's not. Any other ideas are greatly appreciated so when I do have a chance to look at it, I will be able to go down a checklist doing the easiest things first.