Shift cables at control handle

[smithrock]

On my Alpha 1, when I pull on the cables from the backside of the control handle there is a little play in them, they feel a little loose. Should they be this way, or do I need to take off the handle and try to tighten them?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Ayuh,...

Are you chasing a Shifting or Throttle Issue,..??

If so,...
Explain the Issue,+ then your question might have an Answer...

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

shifting issue. I want to take it apart and see if there is an adjustment or what. i'll wait till I hear back from you before doing anything unecessary

Any ideas?

 

[hard-3]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Generally there is no adjustment on the control module. there is and adjustment proceedure to follow to get it adjusted to the lower cable. do a search on cable adjustment in the forum and you will find a link to learn how to do it. As a rule, the cables are not really adjusted . they are set to a length as determined with a gauge and matched to the lower unit cable. if the cables wear beyond spec's they have to be replaced. Most wear is in lower unit shift cable for some reason. as you will find in the search results this is a very common problem.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Yeah, thanks. I am aware of the lower shift cable adjustment. Just trying to figure out every possible thing before I go ahead and replace the cable

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Yeah, thanks. I am aware of the lower shift cable adjustment. Just trying to figure out every possible thing before I go ahead and replace the cable

Ayuh,.... Save yourself some Extra work,+ just Change out the Lower Shift Cable.....
There's probably Nothing wrong with your Control, or it's cables...

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

On my Alpha 1 .............. shifting issue. I want to take it apart and see if there is an adjustment or what

Basically, that is all the info we have about your problem. Why don't you just post what year this Alpha I is (people have called 1 drives and gen II drives "alpha I" many times and were wrong) then post exactly what type "Shifting Issue" you have. It may be a simple answere to a question never asked.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

It's a 1985. The shifting issue is the shift interruptor switch cuts out the engine when going into reverse. I had it working last summer for a while, but it's back doing it again. So I wanted to see if there could be anything else I could do before changing out the lower shift cable.

also, would low gear oil have anything to do with the shifting problem?

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Nothing in the helm control or the shift cable between the helm and the engine could cause that.
You need a lower shift cable, or the shift shaft is corroded and stiff in the bellhousing, or you have a drive problem. Move your troubleshooting to those areas, not the control box.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Ayuh,....

Low Gear Oil will cause All Sorts of Problem,.....
But,...
I still think your root problem is the Lower Shift Cable.......

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Gotcha

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Ok. The cable does move freely back and forth, so thats why I was thinking adjustment.

I don't know if my gear oil is low, I'll check it shortly. Do I just unscrew the vent screw and see if any spills out?

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Here is a link to the oem service manual. Go to section 2A and read how to adjust the cables properly.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Here is a link to the oem service manual. Go to section 2A and read how to adjust the cables properly.

Ayuh,.....

Ya forgot the Link,......

And,....

How do you put it,..??..?? "Gotcha ".....

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Got the manual, and followed it correctly. Still have the problem.

Gear oil- does it have to be marine? Or can i use automotive? If so, what weight?

Thanks guys for your help!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Gear oil- does it have to be marine? Or can i use automotive? If so, what weight?

Ayuh,.....

I run Mobil 1, in 75W-90.....

About Any quality Gear Oil in 90W will work.....

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Okay, thanks. I just checked it and it seems low (nothing draining out the vent screw) What I did find felt thick and a little gunky

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Ayuh,.....

Ya forgot the Link,......

And,....

How do you put it,..??..?? "Gotcha ".....

:redface: #$@#$@#, that couldn't have happened at a worse time!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

Ayuh,.....

You should be Checking the Bottom Drain Plug,...

That's the 1 that'll show any Water, or Metal Filings.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cables at control handle

:redface: #$@#$@#, that couldn't have happened at a worse time!

Ayuh,....

And I captured it in a Quote,...
Just in case you were Editing while I was Peckin',.......

You up to 10 fingers yet,..?? I see you got the stiches out........