Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

[curliss]

I am replacing my shift cable and found several references that say the newer style (that thread into the bellhousing from the aft side) can be used if you tap the bellhousing from the aft. After just wrestling with removing the bellhousing this seems like a good idea. Any experience or comments on this modification? How deep does the new fitting need to go if threading from the aft side? Thanks.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

Its no longer a new style/old style thing. Your going to have to convert yours to the new style..... I doubt you'll find an old style cable any more.
You do have to get a straight tap to tap out the hole. Your best bet is to get one through Merc.
I don't have all the info in front of me, but search the forums, it has been discussed many times.
Best.

 

[Don S]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

If you download section 4A from Service manual #6, it shows how to convert to the new style cable. Page 4A-17 shows how to tap it and the tap's part number.
Here's a link to that section.
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF

 

[curliss]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

Thanks - I was under the impression this was a standard 1/4-18 tapered pipe thread. Am I mistaken about that? If it is tapered then I need to know how deep the new fitting needs to go (i.e. the deeper you tap it the farther it will screw in before it seats and tightens up).

 

[Don S]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

NOT the same tap, The tap you need is not a tapered thread it's straight. Did you even look at the link I gave you???? It explains it in detail.

 

[curliss]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

Hey Don S - I was putting up my question about the pipe tap at the same time you put up the link about the procedure. Got it, read it, thanks. I thought it was a pipe tap because my old cable was a pipe thread fitting and www.mercstuff.com sells a pipe tap to do this job.

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

I believe it is a tapered pipe thread. I found the tap at my local LOWES. Be sure not to run the tap to deep like I did. Here is another link for you
http://www.mercstuff.com/shiftcable1.htm
Chris
As you posted about putting up your post at the same time as Don, I posted the same link you posted at the same time you just posted--Funny stuff
Chris

 

[Don S]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

DO NOT use that method from Mercstuff. you can find anything you want to hear on the web someplace, but that doesn't make it a good thing. If you get a tapered tap just a little bit crooked, the cable will bind. Then, the only way to fix it is to replace the bellhousing.

 

[Big Boat Bay Buster]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

1/4-18 NPSF Tap
Isn't this a pipe thread? This is whats listed in the manual.
From what I recall, the threads on the new cable end were also tapered.
I'm not disagreeing, just want to clear up some confusion on my part.
I would figure any tap, whether straight or tapered could tap a crooked hole if not used correctly. If the hole for the tap is straight, the tap will follow it down perfect. My 2 cents
Chris

 

[Don S]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

No, 1/4f -18 NPT is the starndard tapered, this is a NPSF straight thread.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

DO NOT use that method from Mercstuff.

and don't use their tap. it's plain and simple. it's the wrong tap their selling....
use a straight tap.... get it from merc. or whoever, but it's a STRAIGHT tap, not a tapered pipe thread tap.. use the right tap and ya'll be just fine...

believe the mercruiser service manual, not mercstuff...

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

Tucking away info for future use;

Is there room to tap from the front side without removing anything?

Do you absolutely need the special tool to remove the nut on the front for the old cable and install the nut for the new cable, inside the recessed hole at the aft end?

Is Mercs tap extra long to reach into the recess?

Do these same instructions show up in the printed factory manual or should I print them off?

 

[curliss]

Re: Putting new style shift cable in old MC 165?

Thanks everyone - ordered a 1/4 straight tap, shift cable, and transom seal kit today - should be in business...