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I am pretty new to boat ownership and would like to attempt to fix this issue myself. I have had the outdrive off before and am very mechanically inclined (aircraft mech though). For reference it is a '87 17 BR with an OMC Cobra 4.3. Old I know, but its in great physical shape besides my recent issue...

I had my boat out recently and it became difficult to shift into and out of fwd gear. Like REALLY difficult. As I pulled into a dock I could not disengage fwd gear and panicked and yanked the lever back quite violently. It went straight past reverse engage and just free revved the engine. It now will not engage reverse at all, and is even more difficult to get out of fwd gear. I don't even feel it trying to engage reverse or neutral from fwd. From what I have gathered it may be the lower shift cable? I'm not sure. If anyone has insight as to what I should be looking for to replace or repair, that would be helpful. As well as where to source the parts for it. I understand OMC has not been in business for some time... (please don't need a whole drive )

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Hey Dansic. So glad you found us!

Sorry to hear about your shifting woes. Possibly a stretched cable, shift interrupter issue, cone clutch wear, cable adjustment, etc.

This is a quick tutorial series that might help...



Any pics?

Others will chime in shortly.

And welcome aboard mate.

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So when I try to shift it engine off out of the water it goes into fwd just fine. Reverse has A LOT of resistance and will not shift at all. Not sure what you needes pics of so heres a few randos. The shift switch is disconnected in the photo bc I have a new one. But it was lowering rpm normally before. I hope its a cable, I fear something worse though.

I took the drive off. Shifter doesnt move into reverse. Im looking for a lower cable i guess.