OMC 3.6L V8 shifting problem

**Hanksv** · 12-12-2018, 03:37 PM

1987 3.6L OMC sea drive v8. When shifting into neutral from either forward or reverse it feels like the something is binding up. We disconnected the shifter cable from the linkage at motor and everything moves fine, so it seems that the problem is somewhere between the gearcase and the connection to the cable. A local mechanic mentioned that the oring where the shift rod goes into the bottom end can deteriorate and create a problem. We may drop the bottom end this weekend and take a look at that. Are there any other ideas or typical problems we should look at?

Hank

**cali kid** · 12-12-2018, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Hanksv

1987 3.6L OMC sea drive v8. When shifting into neutral from either forward or reverse it feels like the something is binding up. We disconnected the shifter cable from the linkage at motor and everything moves fine, so it seems that the problem is somewhere between the gearcase and the connection to the cable. A local mechanic mentioned that the oring where the shift rod goes into the bottom end can deteriorate and create a problem. We may drop the bottom end this weekend and take a look at that. Are there any other ideas or typical problems we should look at?

Hank

O rings on the shift shaft for sure

**keith scotton** · 12-15-2018, 11:59 AM

Could be lower mounts and upper have shift rod pushed into steering arm tube, shift assist switch, orings in shift cover top of lower unit or have cobra drive gears with steeper ram on gear and clutch dog, sticking detent ball. what rpm does it idle at should be about 1000 rpm.
Just Some of the things I have seen Keith

**Hanksv** · 01-10-2020, 01:00 PM

Hey guys. Sorry I didn't report back. Better late than never, I guess. It turned out to be the lower mounts had corroded and swelled enough so that the shift rod was rubbing inside the midsection. Had to do a bunch of drilling and grinding to get them out. Shifts like butter now.