How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

justinhip

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
52
I rigged a new BRP binnacle control box last night on my 1992 250 V-8. After setting it up I noticed the shift cable at the engine, never returned to the exact same spot when shifting from reverse to neutral and forward to neutral. Once I started playing with the control box I found the throttle detent is very positive with no play. The shift detent, while not a mess has a slight bit of movement which would explain what I have found at the engine. Make a long story short, I fired it to see what happens and all seems right. It shifts in and out and neutral with no apparent problems. I assume that the shift system moves the shift arm in either the reverse or forward position and the cut of the gears causes it to pull in? I just wanna make sure its right, I hear no grinding or anything aside from the slight bit while engaging but that is mostly due to slow shifting.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

Put the control box in neutral. Disconnect the shift cable at the engine and put the control lever in neutral. Now bring the cable end back up to its attachment point. If the two points don't line up exactly without pushing or pulling anything, rotate the trunion (the threaded barrel) until they do line up. Reattach the cable. If you have to push or pull anything to make the connection you've done it wrong and need to repeat the process. If the cable is stretched, no amount of adjusting will compensate. It needs to be replaced.
 

justinhip

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
52
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

Thats what I did. The cable and control box are new so there is not stretch there. I guess its right as it shifts into
R-N-F. I may be looking into it too much. Ever align the shift levers on a Ford Toploader fourspeed or similar external rail tranny? Thats a bit more of a job and kind what I was thinking about while doing it.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

Sounds like you got it right. No Fords in my garage (anymore). 8)
 

justinhip

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
52
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

W:|:|HATS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN???????
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

Pulling your chain! Just not fond of Ford products (anymore).
 

justinhip

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
52
Re: How do I know I have the shift cable adjusted properly?

I got that, just bustin chops. I have quite a few around. from the 30's to 04
 
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