Price to change a lower shift cable?

rainman1999

Seaman Apprentice
Thread starter
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
34
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?
 

JustJason

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 27, 2007
Messages
5,393
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

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.
 

wca_tim

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
1,708
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

it's a pita... I just did it last night and if I had had the time and it was convenient I would have gladly paid someone 4 hours labor to do it!

of course it didn't help that the outdrive bell housing came out in pieces...
 

rainman1999

Seaman Apprentice
Thread starter
Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
34
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

I meant just the lower shift cable
 

45Auto

Commander
Joined
May 31, 2002
Messages
2,842
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

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.
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

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.
 

nailem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
185
Re: Price to change a lower shift cable?

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
 
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