shift cable was melted !!!

[CAPTKEV85]

Well yesterday I replaced my shift cable because I was stick in forward. Pulled it out of the boat and the entire cable was melted. The previous owner had it done last year and it looked like it was resting on the y pipe. So i put a new cable in and boy is it smooth. Now I have been running hot at idle but fine at upper rpms. So I split the drive and installed new water pump. Also cleaned out water intake which was loaded with growth. Put it in the water and she is running alittle cooler but still gets hot at an idle. Could this be the engine water pump? New thermostat was installed a month ago. Also drive was milky, now signs of leaks anywere and the lower was rebuilt last year.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: shift cable was melted !!!

It helps when you list what kind of drive/etc you have. On your shift cable where it crosses the exhaust, there should be a white/clear spiral wrap around the cable to provide some heat protection. It comes with a new cable kit, I just did mine 86 Alpha 1.

 

[CAPTKEV85]

Re: shift cable was melted !!!

I did install the new white wrap. This old cable was melted half way, also its a 86 alpha 1

 

[Don S]

Re: shift cable was melted !!!

You have a water flow problem. If it's overheating at all, you have a problem and need to find it. If it's not a problem with the raw water pump, it could be any number of places. The water has to come in through the pump and out through the exhaust. if the cooling water doesn't go out the exhaust, then the exhaust gets hot and melts shift cables.
The circulation pump (aka the water pump by automotive standards) mounted to the block above the crankshaft, is NOT your problem. You could take the belt off of it, and the exhaust would stay cool, and the engine could overheat.