Will not shift into reverse

jkloppe

Cadet
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
26
I have a 1987 omc cobra 3.0l, 302amftc engine. I had just finished replacing the starter and figuring out the not trim issue i was having. I went to test it in the water today and it would not shift into reverse. i pulled it out, took it home, checked on muffs and same thing, no reverse.

The day before yesterday on the muffs it shifted fine from forward to reverse. Im not sure what could have happened from then to now. The only things that have happened from the last time it worked was trim up then back down in the water.

Is there anything that i can check without pulling the lower unit off and checking the lower shift cable and replacing?

Thank you,

Justin
 

jkloppe

Cadet
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
26
Is there anything i can do to troubleshoot this without pulling the lower unit off? when it is in reverse i hear a very faint clicking like it is trying to get into gear but it is very faint. beyond that im not sure what to look for.
 

jkloppe

Cadet
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
26
a few more notes on this. Last season i remember a few times where it was VERY hard to shift into reverse, it would take a few times to get in gear. Also it has been hard to shift since i bought the boat. I have read that it should not be very hard to move the shift lever between forward and reverse.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,548
Do your self a huge favor and replace the lower shift cable. It has failed. You will need to buy the 2 tools to adjust it.
 

jkloppe

Cadet
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
26
Ok i pulled the lower unit off, need to replace some bellows. Anyways there was quite a bit of corrosion around the shift cable.

Doing some research i have found two different options for shift cables one is $60 (986955) and the other is around $300 (987662)

"KW-AR" Models (1986-1987) will use Cable Kit #986955 superseded by 987662. This kit will supercede the shift system up to a "GD-RG" style system

after reading the instructions from hastings im just trying to figure out if it is optional to replace with either or do i need to upgrade to a GD-RG style system with the 987662 cable.

Has anyone dealt with this?
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,548
What is your model number?

Should be 0987662 part number

Make sure you get the OEM cable. I know they are more but they are definitely worth it.
 
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