Help with shift interrupter cable...

KentBoyle

Cadet
Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
29
I have been trying to adjust the shifter interrupter switch on my 1988 Mercruiser 470 165HP due to frequent stalling when going in and out of gear. I believe that the issue lies with the cable that runs to the interrupter switch. The forward end of the cable seems to "slide" back and forth into itself as tension is put on the bracket while moving the throttle cable, thus making adjustments impossible as the cable itself seems to absorb much of the movement, thus making the setup somewhat unpredictable. I know this is probably as clear as mud, so I've attached a picture to illustrate. I've added yellow arrows to indicate where there is telescopic movement within the cable itself.

My question is:

1. Can I order just this one shift cable? It looks like the shift cable kit runs between $80 to $100 and includes the cable going all the way to the throttle. Can this one cable be purchased separately?

2. Must the outdrive be removed to replace this cable, and if so, is a special socket necessary to replace it?

Thanks for any light you can shed on this situation.

Kent

cable.jpg
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Help with shift interrupter cable...

If it's stalling going both into and out of gear, you need a new cable. It's a VERY common problem on Mercruiser Alpha style drives.
Up in the adults only sticky (first post in this forum) is a link to the OEM service manuals. Download manual #6 for your drive and look at section 4A for the procedure.
 
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