Shift Cable Issues

[Reming870]

1984 Alpha One, 3.0 Liter Mercruiser

I cannot get into reverse. The OD is off and I can see the cable in the housing bottoming out in neutral so I know that is why I cannot get into reverse.

The OD shift cable moves freely from forward to reverse.

The travel of the cable from the shifter appears to be too large. If I put it in forward the OD shift cable is fully extended outwards. As I approach Neutral the OD shift cable gets bottomed out.

If I remove the upper cable on the engine and then put the shifter into reverse the length of the cable extended appears to be too long for mounting. I have followed the directions in the manual for aligning the cables but I still have the same problem.

Also, when I stored the boat for the winter the problem was not there. I did not remove the OD for winter storage. I did remove the OD this spring because I replaced the transom and I noticed the problem then before I pulled the OD.

Any Advice??

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

is the shift roller in between the forks on the shift cable slide??

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

It is in between the forks.

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

Starting to think I also have the wrong cables. Can someone help me withthe proper cable part # I need.

1984 19-ft Islander / 3.0 L Merc / Alpha One

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

i've written that part number down countless times but i can't think of it now!!

if you go to your local merc dealer and tell them you need an alpha shift cable they'll give you the right one, there is only one that will work for your drive/all MC-1, alphas and gen IIs

 

[cr2k]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

If the old cable was replaced it needs to be cut to an exact length. if it was replaced with the new cable (housing installs from the rear not the front) it will be the right size.

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

I do not think the problem is in the shift cable to the OD. That appears to be fine and has not been changed.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

the cable throw for the lower shift cable is 3" total

the ratio is 1:1 on the shift plate assy on the motor so measure the total throw of your remote cable - if more than 3" then you need to change which hole you use at the helm control

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

I am being told the helm controller is most likely junk. It moves freely and has all the positions, so I am not convinced of this. I will check the 3-inch dimension tonight and put up some pics that may be more helpful. Thanks.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

Did you try to remove the cable from the shifter (at the helm) on the shift plate at the engine and move the plate by hand to see if F N R engages with just the lower cable connected?

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

The OD is not installed yet, but I can freely see the cable move to all positions WITHOUT the upper cable attached. If I attach the upper cable then neutral on the helm controller is really reverse in the OD.

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

Here are the measurements and pictures.



The first picture is the plate with the shift cable as far as it will go in reverse,
The second picture is far as it will go in forward. Both pics are with the remote cable disconnected.
Third picture is where the cable was when in forward. Relates to the second picture.
Fourth picture is where the cable was when in reverse. Relates to the first picture.

I do not see how there could be 3-inches of travel in the cable.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

are you sure you are in full REV when measuring??

it looks like your cable adjustment is way off - do you have the OEM manual for your drive??

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

its a 1984 alpha one. No OEM manual.

Shift cable fully in is reverse?

Should the cable extend more in forward?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

cable gets "shorter" for FWD, "longer" for REV

here is a link to download your manual:

http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

 

[Reming870]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

Correct. The measurement I have in rev is where the cable is bottomed out in the bellow assembly. The long plstic end is hitting the back of the bellow assembly. Then when I "shorten" the cable at the shift plate the other measurement is where the long plastic piece is extended away fromnn the bellow assembly, but this travel is only a little more than an inch

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Shift Cable Issues

Here is a diagram from another site on shift cable adjustment.