Alpha 1 new shift cable install problem

[odie241]

Hi everyone,well,my weekend didnt turn out like i wanted.I installed a new gimble bearing,drive bellows,impeller,gaskets,o-rings,everything came out just fine,went back in just fine,except for the new style shift cable.I tapped out the threads like i was told to do,with a 1/4 x 18 tap,thought everything was going fine,oiled the threads as i was screwing the new cable in,from the outside of the bell housing,but it didnt thread in all the way til it bottomed,i see maybe 2 threads,what I have read,is this is going to cause me an issue going into reverse.

The boat is a 1977 Thompson Del-ray,says 898 merc on the valve covers,898 Merc on the out drive.

Any ideas on how to get this brass end all the way bottomed out,it went in straight,didnt cross thread it,went in by hand a few turns before i stuck the 9/16 ford extra long plug socket on it,from snap on.I tried to oil it up with PB blaster,to try and get it to come back out,thinking i could work it back and forth,but it feels like it might want to snap off,and i cant afford another $92.00 for another shift cable kit from my local marine parts store.

On another note,when I do get it bottomed out,for the life of me,I cant figure out how to put the ends on the shift cable,I have the manual,but the pictures arent very well detailed,the guy at the marine store told me to NOT use the older Manual for the newer style shift cable.Any help would be greatly apreciated,maybe a luck of faith will come my way,and let me get this figured out in time to take it out for a test run,or maybe a little cruise for me and my family.

I put alot of time and money in parts,replaced everything i seen to replace at the rear of the boat.Thanks in advance,hope Everyone is having a safe enjoyable Memorial day weekend.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 new shift cable install problem

It's normal to have 1 to 2 theads showing. If it goes all the way in, you did something wrong. Page 4A-17 of the manual that covers the newer style cable. http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF
How to put the cable together is also covered in that link. 4A-19.

PS: Most people just weld a couple of cheap sockets together to make the extra deep socket.

 

[odie241]

Re: Alpha 1 new shift cable install problem

Thank you Don,thats the detailed description i was looking for on how to do it.I love that you said its ok to have a thread or 2 showing,cause thats what i got,Thank you so much for this link,looks like i just might make it on the river this afternoon for a test run,maybe a little cruise.I will be posting pics of the process of what I have acomplished doing it myself.

P.S,,,I was going to need that snap-on socket eventually,plus,it was on sale in snap-ons flyer for the month,I think i got it for $65.00 and some change =)