lower shift cable

[1977 SILVERLINE]

My 1977 470 needs a lower shift cable because it has been quitting when you go into reverse. I lubed the cable best i could and now it seems to work. My question is I thought I read somewhere on this forum that you should only use a genuine mercruiser cable, not an aftermarket one. Are there any thoughts on this? Does anyone have the correct part number for a mercury cable and where to order one. I have a Napa in the town I live in so I can usually get free freight on parts, so it is easier to order a cable through them, but I also want a cable that will work when I am done. Thanks

 

[achris]

Re: lower shift cable

All the research I have done has come up with the Merc cable being the cheapest, as well as the best... The part number is -865436A02. Use any of the on-line dealers, like www.mercruiserparts.com or Crowley marine... You will also need the manual and (if the cable is still original) a special tap, a straight tap.. See below

 

[1977 SILVERLINE]

Re: lower shift cable

My boat is just shy of 500 hrs on it so im sure its an original. I know the drive has to be removed, but can this cable be installed on the boat with the drive off? How about tapping the threads the rest of the way on the boat? Im just seeing if I can do this myself or pay to have it done. Thanks

 

[Josh P]

Re: lower shift cable

you can do it its not hard, just requires some time. make sure you watch achris's videos removing the drive checking alignment and adjust the lower shift cable..

 

[achris]

Re: lower shift cable

...make sure you watch achris's videos removing the drive checking alignment and adjust the lower shift cable..

Thanks...

You mean these one....

Removing drive: http://youtu.be/w3O63YTOhn8

Checking alignment: http://youtu.be/w118LGsYgY4

Installing drive: http://youtu.be/aGVrY4cWiDA

Shift cable adjustment: http://youtu.be/-s_tgevX2aI

And yes, you need to remove the drive to do the job... But the rest of the job can be done without removing anything else.... only if things get ugly will you have to remove the bell housing too... :facepalm:

Chris...........

 

[fishrdan]

Re: lower shift cable

If the lower shift cable drags, it causes engine stalling problems. Mercruiser's new cable is built different, has a single wire spiraled around the core wire, then teflon coated,,, to lessen cable drag. It's worth the extra $$$

If you need to tap the bell housing, it's going to be from the fore/front/inside, so you'll need to remove the bell housing. If the bellows haven't been replaced recently, now is a great time to replace them, they need to be replaced every 5 years anyway...

If you are mechanically inclined, you can do the job, just be sure to get the manual from 4share and the special tools needed. It's not that bad if you have all the tools and have read the manual,,, and follow the manual to a "T".

The part number is -865436A02.

865436A03 has the extra gaskets and seals needed to complete the job. You might not need the extra parts if ordering a transom reseal kit, but I'd order the full cable kit anyway, you'll have extra gaskets to pull the drive later.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: lower shift cable

Oh yeah... Check out Chris's video's, good stuff there!