Shift cable trick

[Grub54891]

A few years back I learned a trick for replacing them shift cables,mabe the entire planet knows this but I figured I'd post it anyway.
I cut off the old cable end and tie the tag line to it,pull it out,attach to the new and pull it in! Works great,if routed properly beforehand it should be right when done.
Grub

 

[achris]

Re: Shift cable trick

Been doing that for about 20 years..

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Shift cable trick

Actually been using another method. I remove the inner cable, reverse it and stick it in the engine end. Then when I pull the cable out the rear, the old inner core comes out with it leaving a chase wire. I then insert the old inner cable in the new cable and push it thru the transom. The inner cable is stiff enough to guide the cable back the way it came out.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Shift cable trick

Its obvious you all done this b 4. Myself have never installed a shift cable and by looking at 6 pics which 3 are duplicates and reading about tag lines, inner cables, cores, new cables, etc...don't have a clue what is posted here. What drive would this apply to? is the cable out of the boat or is this done while still installed? If there are easy ways or tricks, less experienced DITY'ers could all benefit from a more detailed step by step way to an easier way.

 

[achris]

Re: Shift cable trick

Its obvious you all done this b 4. Myself have never installed a shift cable and by looking at 6 pics which 3 are duplicates and reading about tag lines, inner cables, cores, new cables, etc...don't have a clue what is posted here. What drive would this apply to? is the cable out of the boat or is this done while still installed? If there are easy ways or tricks, less experienced DITY'ers could all benefit from a more detailed step by step way to an easier way.

The most common time the lower shift cable is replaced is with the engine and transom plates (gimbal housing) in the boat. The drive is removed and the clamp or cable tie is removed from the shift bellows. Remove the shift plate end of the cable from the shift plate and dis-assembly the end of the cable (remove the black plastic slide and the guide tube).

Now is when one of the tricks/tips is used. The way I do it is to tie a cord to the shift plate end of the cable and pull the old cable out from the bell-housing end. Tie the cord to the end of the new cable and pull it through. That sounds a lot easier than it is. You WILL need a helper. The reason for this is because the shift cable MUST be routed correctly, and that can involve being around the outside of the exhaust Y-pipe. Without the cord, it's difficult (being kind :lol...

The other way of doing it (and this looks like a cool trick too) is to pull the inner out from the bell-housing end and push it back in from the shift plate end. Secure the slide at the top end to the shift plate and then pull the old outer out. This leaves the old inner in the correct routing path. Then just slide the new outer up along the old inner and it will follow the correct path. When the outer is in place, pull the old inner out (from the shift plate end) and push the new inner in from the bell-housing end....

Re-assemble as directed by the manual and the job's done... Piece of cake.....

Chris......

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Shift cable trick

Sorry about the duplicate pics..... But anyway,that methed helped me a lot,I'm going to try it with the reverse cable from the top next time! Just goes to show,always learning a different and better way to go about things,thank's guy's!
Grub

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Shift cable trick

Now is when one of the tricks/tips is used. The way I do it is to tie a cord to the shift plate end of the cable and pull the old cable out from the bell-housing end. Tie the cord to the end of the new cable and pull it through. That sounds a lot easier than it is. You WILL need a helper. The reason for this is because the shift cable MUST be routed correctly, and that can involve being around the outside of the exhaust Y-pipe. Without the cord, it's difficult (being kind :lol...

The other way of doing it (and this looks like a cool trick too) is to pull the inner out from the bell-housing end and push it back in from the shift plate end. Secure the slide at the top end to the shift plate and then pull the old outer out. This leaves the old inner in the correct routing path. Then just slide the new outer up along the old inner and it will follow the correct path. When the outer is in place, pull the old inner out (from the shift plate end) and push the new inner in from the bell-housing end....

GOT IT! Thanks! Prop slightly ratchets while turning by hand in both directions while in neutral, but if I slightly pull aft (back) on prop while turning it, it spins freely and doesn't ratchet (in either direction). An expert advised me that the shift cable was slightly off and provided me with the info to adjust and/or replace if necessary (very thankful of that I wiil add!). However, I am not sure of which way to adjust (fine tune) and most likely won't b till spring. As mentioned I may need a new shift cable if adjustment doesn't work, if so, that is why I am inquiring thru the forum and videos on "how to". Am mechanically inclined + I have advantage over most ---- 3 foot high granddaughter that likes to help grandpa fix things and is very helpful. She fits perfect in the bilge area without getting stuck and has retrieved many a tools, etc. that have been dropped. (labor cost - a trip to dairy queen!) :lol:

Thanks guy!

 

[achris]

Re: Shift cable trick

Links to videos

Removing drive: Removing an Alpha drive. - YouTube

Checking alignment: Checking Mercruiser engine alignment - YouTube

Installing drive: Installing Mercruiser Alpha drive - YouTube

Shift cable adjustment: Mercruiser Alpha Shift cable adjustment - YouTube