Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

[jmoorepghpa]

Someone mentioned to me the lower shift cable in my '76 Mercruiser 888 could be replaced with a "new style" lower shift cable. I would need to tap the unit to accept the new cable. I never had a problem with the original cable on this unit. Is switching to the new style a good idea? If so anyone know a link that shows a step by step with technical info for this mod?

 

[ziggy]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

if ya shift ok. i wouldn't bother with changing it..... when it gets to be a problem to shift. an original shift cable would sure be a good 1st place to suspect. as for the new style. ya won't have any choice but to use it... old style is nla. here's a link to pretty much what it's about. however i suggest ya get yerself a mercruiser service manual....

"http://www.mercstuff.com/shiftcable1.htm" click on alpha instructions.....

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

Ziggy is right on.....
You will need to use the newer style cable.....
If you have the original cable, how old is your u joint bellows....
That is something I would be concerned about....​

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

Since the old style cable is nla it all makes sense now. Thanks for the link. Yeah the bellows was my first concern too. It won't see water until I get a complete transom kit in it. Its a '76 18' Cobalt with an actual 300 original hours on it and I think everything is original. I'm replacing everything rubber. Would be a shame to sink the thing.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

just make sure you use the correct tap, its not a standard hardware store item. the use of the wrong tap will either allow water in the shift pocket or crack the gimbal housing.
other than that the late style cable is so much easier to install than the old style.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

 

[ziggy]

Re: Mercruiser 888 lower shift cable

just make sure you use the correct tap

and the one that ms.com sells is NOT the right one........