Engine dies in reverse

[streetdoc432]

I have an 88' 270 with OMC 4.3/Cobra. I was going out for a ride this weekend, started to plane out, and the starboard engine would only rev to 3500 rpm (my normal cruising rpm) that was with the throttle control wide open. The port engine was able to rev much higher. Both engines seemed to run smooth, didn't run warm or anything. When I got back to the marina, the starboard engine would die every time I shifted it into reverse, tried shifting fast, slow, still died.
Changed my spark plugs, cleaned the carb, new fuel filters the beginning of the summer, fresh fuel and startron. Does this sound like a shifter cable adjustment issue?? That is my next try on my next trip up to the boat.. Any other suggestions?? Thanks in advance for any input!:smt021

 

[Lazy Daze]

I think you have two different things going on... Let's start with the dieing in reverse. It's been a while for me with these Cobras, so maybe someone else can verify: Take a look at where the shifting happens (transition between the two cables - from the control stick and to the drive) on the engine (just have someone shift while you look). You will see a small microswitch and a short arm that activates the switch (a metal arm is about 3/16" wide). Bend that arm a little so it doesn't push in the switch quite so fast. It's basically a "kill switch" and it is likely just doing a little too much killing.

EDIT: Before you do any bending, look for anything that the kill switch mechanism is "hanging up on" and address that, first. Make sure it looks like it is moving smoothly.

Check your cap/rotor? Plug wires?

 

[streetdoc432]

Thanks for the quick reply Dennis...The wires and cap are only two years old, and looked really good when I changed the plugs yesterday, I know, looks can be decieving...I will try that too, as well as checking the adjustment on the switch. I have had several small boats, this is my first "bigger boat" and I am really starting to realize that BOAT does stand for Bust Out Another Thousand!

 

[Lazy Daze]

On the plus side, you have two engines - that means you have easy access to "spare parts". Meaning, before you buy new parts, try swapping from one engine to the other and see if the problem follows the parts (cap, wires, for example).

Also, check the fuel filter again. That's always a good place to start - even if you did it recently. Pour the contents into a glass jar (tomato/pickle, etc) and let it sit for a day and then look at it.

 

[streetdoc432]

I will try to go work on my boat Sunday, I did go buy buy more fuel filters and distributor caps and rotors, I will give that a shot. I made the mistake of running a bunch of Sea Foam in my tank last fall when I made a 90 mile river run, I guess it's still pulling crap out of my tank. This iss not much fun spending 80$ in fuel filters twice a year! I'll keep you updated on the progress...Thanks for the help.

 

[streetdoc432]

Well, I checked the switch, cleaned it all with contact cleaner, re-greased all the rub points, and it still dies, not every time, maybe 2 out of 5 tries. Changed all the fuel filters, now the engine (starbord) has an occasional miss at cruising speed (around 3500 rpm). I just bought new plug wire sets and I will put those on this weekend. I will have to order new caps and rotors, Vato Zone didn't have the marine grade caps with the gaskets. I am also contemplating on making the the investment and switching over to "pointless" ignition this off-season, yet another project to accomplish!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sonny - is your microswitch/shift interupt switch as I described above? The reason I ask is that you may have to physically bend it a bit.

 

[streetdoc432]

Yes it is, it is a neutral safety switch I think, I will try to take a picture of it this weekend. It has a roller on the end.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sounds like what I was envisioning. Bend the arm a little at a time until you can shift correctly.