Removing shift shaft bellows

[labzman3]

Hey guys,,I am trying to replace my bellows,, I am using your technique of a 9/16th spark plug socket backed by a 11/16th plug socket. I cannot get the brass nut to come loose and it is now starting to round off ! I tried SOME heat, in case locktite was used !
Any recommendations as to my next attempt ? I was thinking worse case a cold chisel ??
Anyone gone thru this before ? and if so how did you tackle this problem ?


Thanks again !!!

 

[dubs283]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

whoever installed that cable probably didn't follow the OEM manual instructions of applying perfect seal to the threads of the brass cable end

if they put loctite on them that is even worse

i have had to drill out the brass end and tap the threads in the bell housing again

it is a NPT tap - and if you do drill, be VERY careful not to muck up the bell housing

 

[fraannk]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

You can cut the plastic off the nut and that might give you more options to use as far as sockets go. If you do strip it out you can use some of the easy out sockets for stripped bolts.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

it is a NPT tap - and if you do drill, be VERY careful not to muck up the bell housing

It is not a NPT (National Pipe Tapered), but rather a NPS (National Pipe Straight). Pretty important difference if you do have to use a tap. Actually, the exact tap you need is 1/4X18 NPSF

 

[labzman3]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

Hmm,, Ok,, I will keep applying heat,, this cable was replaced by a dealer about 7 years ago when I bought the boat,,I guess worse case I might be able to get in there with a Dremel tool and cut the brass nut in half ????


Thanks,,,,,,

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

Make sure your using a 6 point socket not a 12 point

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

Yup, use a good quality 6 point on a little breaker bar so you can turn it both ways to sort of ease it back and forth til you get the gol durn thing to turn.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

4A-16 in this link has a very good pic of the shift
.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF

 

[labzman3]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

AHHHH !!! A very good point !!! I never thought about how many points my socket was !!!

 

[labzman3]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

UNCLE !!!!!!! Ok I give up !!! I cannot get the brass threaded bushing, that is part of the shift cable, out of the bellhousing !

I thought it was a brass nut and I could split it with a chisel, until I went into the house and looked at my new cable and realised,, OH,,OH !!! It's more than a nut !! I even tried oxy/act. heat, to no avail !

Anyone have any other ideas ??

Is this the part that I have read about requiring a special tap ?

Thanks again !!!

 

[labzman3]

Re: Removing shift shaft bellows

FREE AT LAST !!! My buddy got it out,, with a specially deep 1/2" drive 12 point socket he has !!!

Think I can finally start putting it all back together, as soon as my last box of parts show up !

When does the fun start ????