lower shift cable seems to be not adjusted properly, cuts out.

[robfixhondas]

So i just purchased my 1973 bayliner jamaica with a 165 mercruiser l6 and pre alpha outdrive, when i got it it would shift fine in to forward but would trip the limit switch when trying to go into reverse. after much research i tried adjusting the cable and am finding that the cable it self seems to not be centered when in neutral (if that makes sense). im not sure how far the lower cable is suppose to be able to move and it seems to move rather free, but it seems like the cable is too long. when i adjust it with the control in the forward position and it is engaged into forward gear on the outdrive there is still abut 3/8"-1/2" cable travel unused, and when i try to go into reverse the cable maxes out and trips the limiter. is there a way to adjust the length of the cable not just the distance from the limit switch to the cable end? i hope this makes sense to somebody.

 

[achris]

If it cuts out, most likely the cable needs replacing, and/or there is built up crud in behind the slider in the bell-housing. If there is crud in there, you need to clean it out and find out why it's in there, most likely the upper shift shaft seal is leaking.... BTW, you have an MC-1 drive, not a pre-alpha (no such thing as a 'pre-alpha' drive)...

Chris.....

 

[robfixhondas]

Good to know, I figured it was something other than just pre alpha. I've got the outdrice off right now so I'll check behind the slider. With the cable disconnected from The engine side, when I push it all the way in the slider on the bell housing pushes way far past where forward would be. But when I pull the cable it doesn't pull the slider far enough in to engage reverse. I'll check Tomorrow and update than.

 

[achris]

That sounds like a build up of crud inside the slider. You need to remove the end off the cable at the engine end, pull the slider and inner core out, remove the grub screw in the back of the slider and pull the core out of the slider. Now clean the slider thoroughly. Once that's done, put the core back in and run the grub screw in until it JUST touches the end of the core, then back it out slightly, like 1/8 turn. Use lock wire to secure the grub screw and re-assemble reverse of how you dismantled....

Chris......

 

[robfixhondas]

well even if it was crud inside the slider, it needs a new one now haha. the set screw in the back of the slider and the 2 on the engine side were pretty impossible to remove. after drilling out the set screws on the upper end i pulled the cable through the housing. looked clean and came out with out any trouble. It didnt look too badd when i replaced the bellows so i think ill just get a new cable kit and slide a new cable in with a new slider and go from there.

 

[Speakrdude]

Your not supposed to tighten down the grub screw?
:facepalm: oh boy...