Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

[rhillman75]

I have finally have had an opportunity to get everything fixed from the previous owner except for this: One thing I have really noticed about the 3000 side commander is that when it is put into either reverse or forward there is quite a bit of resistance that I have kind of just gotten used to "gentle" nudging her forward ever so gently. I did get chance to look at it tonight and here is what I have noticed...I don't know what to call it technically but it appears to be a "shock" mounted in line beside the drive cable. When I completely remove it and just have the cable on the posts there is zero resistance and shifting is really smooth. I also noticed that there were a couple of different washers like someone played with it before. From what I can see and the current attachment is like this: from the armiture I have the double threaded bolt, then a spring that goes on the bolt, then a flat washer, then the barrel connector for the drive cable, then the "shock". Shouldn't there be a washer between the barrel and the "shock"? I know when I tighten the double ended bolt in place it seems there is to much rubbing and alot of tension when the commander goes into forward or reverse. Pictures are included...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

Howdy,


I am going to confess ignorance on why it's there. My bravo doesn't have it and the last Alpha I worked on didn't have it either.

Mercury calls it a "SPRING GUIDE ASSY" 813995A 1
http://www.marineengine.com/newparts/part_details.php?pnum=MER813995A+1&ptype=&Engine=&Model=

It's anywhere from $22-$36 or so.

Did you try moving it when you disconnected it? It's possibly rusty inside and needs to be replaced.

If yours is binding, replacing it won't cost you a lot of money.

 

[rhillman75]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

Uh...okay!?! :facepalm: I was kinda thinking along the same line since my neighbor has a 99 and I didn't see one on his. Do you have to run with this? Can it be taken off then just find new mounting hardware to adapt everything. I wouldn't say its "binding" because I can move it back and forth...but it is tight and you have to work the entire assembly forward and hold it to put the bolt in. So far this little piece is pi$$ing me off due the amount of tension it puts on the commander. It's almost like trying to force a door to shut when there is a towel in the door jamb...it will shut but with a little force!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

Well,

Looking through Doug Russell parts, I also saw it on everything from the 3.0L to the 5.7 and they're calling it the SHIFT BRACKET(NEW DESIGN WITH SPRING GUIDE) for the older 88 454/Alpha. So it looks like it's an afterthought there to improve shifting out of gear. (A problem on some dog-clutch drives)



I also searched around and found that you can even buy one on ebay for about $20 (free shipping)

I am going to go out on a limb and say yeah, you can probably "run" without it. I'll also say that where ever you can buy one, you probably should and just replace it.

If it's nitrogen charged (like a trunk or hood lift, its possible that one side leaked off and it's not staying centered. I would think it should be centered since it's seems to be there to help getting out of both FWD and REV.

I didn't remember it being on the early 90's 3.0L/Alpha Gen II I worked on, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there......I only did an engine swap and left the shift bracket alone.

I am sort of at a loss here on it. I have never seen one or I didn't notice it on that 3.0L engine and didn't notice anything unusual shifting it when we did the test run.

I think it was there....


If it really DOES improve shifting out of gear, you should replace yours.


Regards,


Rick

 

[rhillman75]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

The only thing I notice immediately is that in that diagram you inlcluded... the diagram shows the mounting "tab" with the hole going in the "up" position, while mine in the photos I uploaded show the tab being mounted "down"! I don't know if this is the original mounting, because I believe he (the previous owner) may have messed with it, but do you think it's a typo or could be operating incorrectly if it is mounted in a way other than the diagram?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

That is a Mercruiser diagram, so I think it's right......but having said that you should refer to the service manual to be sure.

Since it's just a spring loaded (centered) device, I am NOT sure it would make a LOT of difference.

 

[rhillman75]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

Well that's the problem...the Clymer manual I bought from the marina does NOT even show it or talk about it in any form and does NOT show it in ANY diagrams! I just googled a image from a 98 and it does have it on there either. It only shows the cable itself WITHOUT the "shock" assembly. I am to the point where I think I am going to try and find either another bolt, cut it and re-tap it on the cut side or just get a spacer to eliminate the space for the "shock"!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Question about shift cable on 96 Mercruiser 4.3LX Gen+ (pictures included)

That's an illustration of what you get with a Clymer or Seloc manual. They leave a LOT out.

Get your hands on Mercury Manual #14 there'll be a description and instructions for proper installation.