OMC 800 Lower Shift Cable Adjustment at Lower Unit

[Craig S]

Some years ago my lower unit failed. I bought a whole used outdrive and installed it. I think the cable at the lower unit was not properly installed. Up top at the shift converter box the control arm is way too far clockwise in reverse. So I'll have to disconnect the cable at the converter box and remove the retainer on the transom. Now if I can push/pull enough slack in the cable, can I get the lower unit off or lowered to get in there and disengage from the rack and make the cable the right length? I've heard to use lube for moving or inserting the cable. What type of lube? I don't want to use something that might eat at the cable covering.

 

[Craig S]

Re: OMC 800 Lower Shift Cable Adjustment at Lower Unit

Just for everyone's information, yes you can get the lower unit off without removing the whole outdrive. However, for a number of reasons I don't recommended it. It's easy enough to get the outdrive off anyway.
I did want to make a point though. My book is not very clear on the adjustment at the lower unit. After I removed the shift cable housing at the lower, I turned the prop a little and pushed the rack fully down in reverse. Then I pulled the long cable all of the way out. Then I pulled the short cable to about 5 1/2 inches and assembled the housing.When you engage the pinion to the rack just push down. It will lengthen your short cable a bit. The end result of this was that with the lower in full reverse my short cable was right around 6 inches. With this setting, when I installed the cable at the converter box on top, my neutral setting was right about at the center of the decal.