Just got a Gaffrig two handle shifter and Supreme cables put in the Lavey. I replaced the original 1987 stock OMC shift/throttle unit because it was sloppy and cracked. I also replaced it hoping to correct a problem with the stock shifter not always going all the way into neutral (let me explain).
The gearbox would be in neutral but that stupid Cobra ignition interupter sometimes would be engaged while the shifter was in neutral--almost killing the engine. To get the interupter to stop suppressing the ignition, I would have to wiggle the shifter--argh!. With the new Gaffrig the problem is still there but alot easier to stop because the throttle is separate.
My question is this? Can I disconnect or bypass the interupter? My mechanic (OMC certified etc.) is pretty much by the book and advises agaist it.
1987 Laveycraft 21 460 OMC King Cobra
Hey Johnc, sorry I really think your mechanic is right on this one. I have done a lot of research lately and found that the older King Cobra drives have the dog style clutches and if you don't leave the interupter in line you highly risk tearing out the clutch assembly. Only after 90 or 91 did OMC change to the cone clutches where you could remove the interupter.
Sorry I wouldn't do it unless you want to buy the later style drive.
Gnarley
A good mechanic is usually "pretty much by the book" and if he is then he should be able to remedy this problem for you. These systems work very well when set up right.
JOHN C- Youre mechanic is right , deffinitly dont try to do away with the shift circuit.
I have had several of these come to me with this problem , 99% of the time one of the micro switches are bad or way out of adjustment. Have youre guy pay close attention in this department and it should be as good as new! NG
Originally posted by not guilty:
I have had several of these come to me with this problem NG
So, NG does this mean that you work on the OMC's with King Cobras? Or you have an extensive working knowledge of them?
The reason I ask is that damn spitfire ignition has a preset redline of 4600 RPM and a pre-set advance curve. The 1994 version is even stranger than the rest and I need to retrofit the control module to increase the redline and limit the total advance to 34 degrees. I don't really want to install the whole MSD setup but it may be my only choice and it does have a shift interrupter if needed. I am not sure mine has the interrupter since it has the cone clutches like the Volvo's.
Any Ideas???
NG,
Thanks for the post. Here's the deal. The problem isn't always happening. My mechanic is about 75 minutes away (OMC mechanics are hard to find around here), and the damn thing was working OK at the shop. I'm trying to avoid dragging the boat back to the shop so I figured I would try to fix it myself. The problem seems to only happen when shifting from reverse to neutral. After playing with it a little it seems that if you overshoot neutral a hair when coming out of reverse and then put the shifter in the neutral detent it won't stick in the cut-out mode. So based on this info, what does it sound like? Adjustment or switch?
Thanks again for the help.
JC
Gnarly-yes to both. I have a lot of exp. with cobra drives and I'm always finding someone elses parked in front of my door http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif .
As for a distributer I believe you have a BBC dont you ? If so I'd use a mallory electronic available thru NAPA (pn-18-5494-1) it has no rev limiter and can be wired to the cut-out switches.
JOHNC-still trying to get that diagram across to you, havent had much time at the keyboard.If you look at the two swithes on the control box while someone moves the controls you will notice as the lever is moved the cam hits one switch and cuts out the engine and this relieves tension on the conrol arm and allows the other cam to hit the second switch over-riding the cutout.They both remain in contact while in gear.When you pull out of gear they simply work backwards, the last switch releases and that cuts the motor out and lets the tension off the shift cable and the releases the other switch so when the motor is in N both switches are open.Setting the adjustment on land is hard to get it right as there is no tension on the drive out of the water,try it with someone with you in the water.Watch the cam action as they shift it in & out of gear,you'll see what happens coming out of R, playwith the adjustment a little and I'm sure you'll solve problem.Hope this helps , I'm not that good at trying to describe things , more of a show-me type. http://free.***boat.net/ubb/eek.gif
ANYWAY LOL NG
[This message has been edited by not guilty (edited April 04, 2002).]
Originally posted by not guilty:
Gnarly-yes to both. I have a lot of exp. with cobra drives and I'm always finding someone elses parked in front of my door http://free.***boat.net/ubb/biggrin.gif .
As for a distributor I believe you have a BBC dont you? If so I'd use a Mallory electronic available thru NAPA (pn-18-5494-1) it has no rev limiter and can be wired to the cut-out switches.
NG, well good to hear you have some exp. Have you ever dealt with a 1994? And your right it is a BBC, you wouldn't know of the standard Mallory PN # would you?
So I think you know what I need, or want to do. I would love more info on the retrofit & not knowing much yet about the spitfire I thought the dist just delivered the spark and it is the flywheel that creates the field that charges the coil as it is a mag pulse (hall effect) ignition that was controlled by an external module. Where is the ignition control module? Or are you telling me that the module is in the distributor, and by replacing the distributor & wiring the Mallory back in I have removed the rev limiter?
This would sure make me happy if this were true. But would I loose the detonation sensors then?
Thanks
SORRY GNARLY ! (HEE-HEE) Didnt realize you had the newer model.The spitfire ( I've only worked on afew) is a computer command unit.Is yours carburated though?I believe it should be. If so the mallory will work fine with a standard coil, its a self contained marine unit that will work by itself or with a mallory high 5 box or equal.The box would allow custom curve,rev limit etc...The mallory number for the dist is YLM624AV. All you need to run it alone is keyed power and a coil.hope this helps http://free.***boat.net/ubb/smile.gif NG
NG, it is a carbureted version, but what about the shift interrupter? How does the older (93) and earlier spitfire work? Where is the module?
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