Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

[bamadave]

I'm replacing the shift cable and bellows on a Alpha 1. The original cable housing unscrewed from the front of the bell housing. The new housing screws in from the rear of the housing . The threads do not appear to go all the way thru the bell housing. Needless to say, If ths is correct, I'll have to tap the hole thru the front to rear. Whats's the thread pitch and do I need an extension on the tap to reach the hole. Or am I just missing something here? Sorry guys, left my manual at the shop. I was interrupted during the repair and got frustrated so decided it was time to cry in my beer. Oh,yeah, it's my first time to do this. I made the little tool to help pull the the new cable thru, but when the new housing would not screw in the bell housing, I pulled the new cable out but pulled the old cable housing back in so I would have the pull wire back in so when I remedy the hole situation, I can pull the new housing back in. How screwed up is this. Also, any suggestions regarding the small clamp for the small end of the bellows. The manual says make the tool(pliers with nut welded and cut into), The resident mech says a zip tie is ok. I can hear Don (or my father) say when are you going to do it over. What do yous' guys do? Thanks for any kind words.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

You need the proper shift cable. Somehow, you seem to have found the old style cable. Take it back and get the proper one. Don't even mess with trying to make it work.
And yes, a zip tie works, but get the Merc type used for fuel lines. They seal all the way around. The Merc PN is 54-816311

 

[bamadave]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

I thought it is the new style cable, Maybe the difficulty in describing problems. The new calble screws in the aft of the bell housing (the hole facing you). The old cable screwed out from the bell housing between the bell housing and the transom.

 

[hullofalottatrouble]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

bamadave.. yes it sounds like you have the new cable style.. but are you saying you dont have the threads tapped to put it in? i bet somebody on here can walk you through that step?? anyone?

 

[bamadave]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

After trying to start screwing the cable in , having someone in the boat gently pulling and turning the cable housing at the same time, losing my religion all the while, and yes, I have the $30.00 socket for the cable, I discovered the threads don't appear to extend all the way thru the bell housing. No big deal to tap, just I have seen no mention of this anywhere, but.............

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

Be sure to tap the new threads deep enough so the nut on the cable screws ALL the way in. If it doesn't screw ALL the way in it will cause a shift adjustment problem.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

I will assume then I need to tap the bell housing from the front (between bell housing) to the rear(Hole looking at you), so I wouldn't be cutting new threads if I started from the rear?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

Yea, I misunderstood front from back. But this link will clear it up completely.
Be sure you read and understand the differences between the old and new styles.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF

 

[bamadave]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

Thanks Don, as all ways, if there is no confusion in problem description, you have no problem with remedy. I'm raising my glass to you. Also Don, Ihave not seen your opinion on the exhaust tube for merc in lieu of the exhausr bellows? Just wondering.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

The tube was put on the drives for the bigger 300hp engines to stop some of the back pressure. None of the carbed engines have a problem with using the bellows. The big trend in using the tube instead of the bellows is because it's easier for a DIYer to do.
It's a little noisier, and doesn't help performance that can be noticed in real life.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

Thanks for the tube info, even with the bellows expander tool, it was a pain in the A$$. Thanks for all the help, just wish I could repay you somehow.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Alpha One Aft Shift Cable Problem

You can repay by helping fellow boat owners out of a jam someday,Maybe an idea for something , a free tow in,overhearing you local mech. blurt out a secret tip on a repair. Who knows.