Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

[Jerico]

Rant first: If you don't know what you're doing, hire a pro. If you try it anyway, use the right tool. If you don't have one, buy, rent, or borrow one...

So, I need to replace my lower shift cable. Unfortunately the previous owner stripped the corners off of the brass head where it screws into the gimbal. Anybody know of an easy way to get it loose without risking tearing up the threads in the gimbal?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

drill it out and retap it 1/4 x 18 Straight tap, NOT PIPE TAP

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

Anybody know of an easy way to get it loose without risking tearing up the threads in the gimbal?

I have drilled them out a little at a time going from one size bit to larger until I was able to remove the last little bit. It worked most of the time. But not always.
There is no "No Risk" method of fixing a mess.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

If you are changing it out anyway cut off the plastic cable sleeve & try a 9/16 deep socket on the remaining hex. That is the size you need to reinstall it any way so you will need that tool. I use a 9/16 spark plug socket because it has a hex on it's back end where I can put a 1/2 deep socket. When you go to put on the new cable you need the both of them to make the reach & turn the brass fitting with the plastic cable sleeve coming from it. Otherwise you end up buying a really long 9/16" socket from Mercruiser or someplace.
Of course if it is just ruined and not stuck get an easy out screw extractor. If you don't know what they are, they're a reverse thread conically shaped tool for removing stuck stuff. That could save your threads and some time.

 

[Jerico]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

Thanks for the replies. Problem is there is no remaining hex. I've used easy outs before, but not on brass. I'll need to buy a set, but guess its worth a try. I think I'll still have to drill out the cable core to get the extractor in. Worst case go with the drill bits. As far as putting the new one in, I have a whole box of those specialty one use tools. The newest one is the Mallory shift cable tool that came in today from the iboats store.

 

[Jerico]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen1 lower shift cable

Update: I managed to pull the cable sleeve out, Cut the nipple off so it was down to the main fitting, then used progressively larger bits up to about 3/8. From there used an easyout and it finally gave way. Thanks again for the suggestions. Now to put it all back together...