I,m not confident enough to pull my drive off yet and was wondering what a fair price is to change the shift cable in a alpha 1 gen. 2 mercruiser. 2 hours labor plus parts?
2 hours??..... Hmmm double that and add an hour for starters.... i've pounded them out in under 4 hours in rinky dinky 4 banger boats.... and i've had ones that have taken all dang day..... plus parts of course.
2 hours plus parts is a reasonable estimate for a lower shift cable replacement on a clean, well maintained boat. There's always the possibility of corroded and/or stripped fasteners that could cause additional problems.
If this maintenance is being performed on a 1987 hull, it might take a little longer than normal. Saltwater use? Be prepared to see the usual, universal joints, bellows and gimble bearing.
in the spring i got prices for lower shift cable, all bellows and gimbal bearing $550 including parts. i eneded up doing it myself for $180 after i had to cut one of the hing pins out. i figure if the shop had to do that add another $100. it took me (first time doing it) about 5-6hrs
