Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

[Darol Wester]

In reading several threads here about this task, I'm curious how to tell if I have the "old style" cable or the newer one. The boat is a 22 ft. 1978 Cruiser with a 350 Chevy. (From what I get from reading, it's an Alpha I, Gen I.) I'd like to find out whether I'll need to be doing the re-threading and such.

Also, after looking at all the different cables available, it can get a bit confusing. I'm a 4 hour round trip to the nearest boat shop, so I'll be buying online and want to be sure I order the right part. If anyone might have the part number for the new cable and parts, I'd very much appreciate it. I have plenty of gaskets. I only need the cable kit itself if possible.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

In reading several threads here about this task, I'm curious how to tell if I have the "old style" cable or the newer one. The boat is a 22 ft. 1978 Cruiser with a 350 Chevy. (From what I get from reading, it's an Alpha I, Gen I.) I'd like to find out whether I'll need to be doing the re-threading and such.

Also, after looking at all the different cables available, it can get a bit confusing. I'm a 4 hour round trip to the nearest boat shop, so I'll be buying online and want to be sure I order the right part. If anyone might have the part number for the new cable and parts, I'd very much appreciate it. I have plenty of gaskets. I only need the cable kit itself if possible.

Ayuh,.... A '78 would be an ole MC-1, 'n could be either the ole style, or new style....

How old are yer Bellows,..??

When I go that deep, All the rubber parts get Replaced....

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

The bellows were replaced about 5-6 years ago. My partner who died, replaced the control cable about 8 years ago. I'm just not sure about the lower cable and I'm having problems with reverse. I just went through pulling and reinstalling the O/Drive the 3rd time and made sure EVERYthing was just right and still no reverse. With the lower cable disconnected from the bracket in the boat and I pull the cable all the way out, it still won't engage in reverse. It tries to, but it's just not far enough. I can use a screwdriver and push slightly on the shiftshaft while in reverse position and it goes into reverse. So...looks like a cable replacement.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

Ayuh,.... A '78 would be an ole MC-1, 'n could be either the ole style, or new style....

....

How can I tell the difference? Maybe a picture would help if I knew what you needed to see.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

OK. Here's two pictures, one from the rear and one inside. The cable doesn't look to be very old. If someone can tell if it's an older/newer style by these photos, let me know.

Also, during my inspection of the upper shift shaft, I found that the arm on top is slightly loose. It can be moved side to side while holding the shaft, maybe an 1/8 to 3/16th at the tip of the arm. This probably isn't good I'd guess. I see there's a screw pin that goes through it and a slotted screw on top. Would the screw pin be worn and need to be replaced or what other options do I have. Would this be causing my problem of not being able to get reverse?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

That's the new style. the hex nut is part of the outer cable, screwed in from the aft end of the bellhousing. When you unscrew it the whole cable will also turn with it.

Before you pull the engine end of the cable thru the transom, attach something to the end so it will help guide the new cable thur the opening in the transom.

You can use a 1/2" drive 9/16"deep socket to get that nut off, or a 9/16" spark plug socket with the nut on the end, you can attach another socket onto, or weld 2-sockets together.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

Eric is talking about the shift cable only, it's the newer style replacement.

Take a pic of the whole outdrive and i am sure some can ID it for you.

 

[Darol Wester]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

Here you go. I've got it apart, but this should do the trick.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Merc 260 lower shift cable replacement

In reading several threads here about this task, I'm curious how to tell if I have the "old style" cable or the newer one. The boat is a 22 ft. 1978 Cruiser with a 350 Chevy. (From what I get from reading, it's an Alpha I, Gen I.) I'd like to find out whether I'll need to be doing the re-threading and such.

Also, after looking at all the different cables available, it can get a bit confusing. I'm a 4 hour round trip to the nearest boat shop, so I'll be buying online and want to be sure I order the right part. If anyone might have the part number for the new cable and parts, I'd very much appreciate it. I have plenty of gaskets. I only need the cable kit itself if possible.

That is not an Alpha One, it is definitely older, The Alpha One doesn't have that lift ring at the top cover, and your bellhousing is kind of rounded at the top, the Alpha One is more square off. See the attached photo with the different makes and years, Looks like you have a MC-1 drive there.

Also noticed you removed the shift shaft and arm in the last picture. They pass thru a brass or bronze upper and lower bushing. The upper also has a seal with it. Check it out to see the condition of it. The old ones tend to fall apart, and they have an upgraded seal kit with new bushings available, yours might have been changed already.