Stretched Shift cable. Cut to shorten?

[Rhadley]

My shift cable, even though it only has about 10 hours on it, seems to be stretched. I can manually shift into all gears but it has to be adjusted so far back that the interrupt engages. Why can't I just cut the cable shorter where it connects to the lower shift end guide that attaches to the shift plate? Shouldn't that eliminate the stretch?

 

[alldodge]

Don't cut, it's not adjusted correctly
The cable could be twice as long and still work because the inner cable goes in and out the same amount

Which drive and do you have the manual?

 

[nola mike]

My shift cable, even though it only has about 10 hours on it, seems to be stretched. I can manually shift into all gears but it has to be adjusted so far back that the interrupt engages. Why can't I just cut the cable shorter where it connects to the lower shift end guide that attaches to the shift plate? Shouldn't that eliminate the stretch?

A stretched inner core isn't your problem. Either incorrect adjustment, worn sleeve, too much slop from elsewhere, etc. The interrupt engages because of tension on the plate, not the length of the cable.

 

[Rhadley]

It's an alpha 1; I have a manual and a good adjustment video online. If adjusted per procedure it won't go into reverse. If that happens, procedure is to slide the connection in the slot up to get more reverse movement, but if you go too far up you can cause the interrupt to switch on. That's why I was thinking shortening the cable would simulate moving more in the reverse direction. Since the cable is so new, it could be something else for sure. Has hardly been used in the past 5 years and kept in my garage.

 

[alldodge]

Need to find the center of the cable first using a fine tip marker.

Loosing the 2 bolts holding the interrupter bracket so switch sits in center of Vee

Yes sliding the cable up gives more movement with lower cable but that should be compensated in both Fwd and Rev by making sure the switch is in the center of the Vee

If this does not work than there is something with the lower. Shift foot is bent, shift rod bent, wasn't locked fully in Fwd when drive was installed

 

[Rhadley]

It looks like the lower shift shaft is not up into the upper shift shoe all the way, and the lower shaft is very loose. Is the looseness normal, or maybe due to not being tight up into the upper shift shoe? Does this indicate a bent lower? I don't see how the upper can get bent since it is right against the wall and supported from behind.
View attachment IMG_8358[1].MOV

 

[nola mike]

Looks ok

 

[Grub54891]

Is the stainless washer under the shift dog under the lower?

 

[Rhadley]

Is the stainless washer under the shift dog under the lower?

Good question. I think it is, but I could have left it off. I will check. I am wondering if the upper shift shaft got pushed up in the seal and that is why there is a big gap. I accidently mated the lower unit with the lower shaft not lined up with the upper shoe and it might have pressed it up.

 

[Grub54891]

Good question. I think it is, but I could have left it off. I will check. I am wondering if the upper shift shaft got pushed up in the seal and that is why there is a big gap. I accidently mated the lower unit with the lower shaft not lined up with the upper shoe and it might have pressed it up.

I’ve personally bent that shoe when I didn’t know how to line things up properly. The bend was almost impossible to see but a new one fixed similar issues you are seeing.