Shift cable bellows question

[Ebola]

I'm changing all of my bellows in the outdrive and most, if not all the write ups I've seen say to remove the shift cable from inside the boat at the motor and pull it through the transom. I can't see or even feel where the cable goes through the transom so I was wondering if I can remove the cable from the drive side and just slide the bellows over that end.

Thanks in advance.

E

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

You need to give more info on the drive you are working on.

But whatever it is, one trick to to attach a string or wire to the cable when you pull the old one out, then reattach it to the new cable. It will help guide you on where it should go.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

I was wondering if I can remove the cable from the drive side and just slide the bellows over that end.

Nope, the cable has to come out from the drive side.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

Ayuh,... 'n chances are, if the bellows need changin', the Cable should be replaced at the same time...

 

[Ebola]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

The boat is new to me and all this is sort of preventative maintenance given that the last time these were changed is unknown. The bellow doesn't really show signs of needing to be changed, but the boat is 12 years old and the u-joint bellows had some junk in it that led me to believe that it needed to be replaced. Should I not change them all at the same time? I believe the cause of the "junk" in the u-joint bellows was from the PO using silicone sealant on the bellows. The silicone didn't hold well and allowed moisture in.

The string thing is a good idea. Hope it doesn't fall through.
Merc alpha 1 gen 2

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

Sillycone shouldn't be used on the bellows anywhere. Here's a link to the OEM service manual http://www.4shared.com/document/dPQUcyn_/Service_Manual_14.html
Section 4A exlains how to change the bellows.
At 12 years old, they are way overdue to be changed.

 

[Ebola]

Re: Shift cable bellows question

Thanks Don, that's what I was thinking. I appreciate the responses.

Cheers!