3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

[Gary H NC]

Other than pulling the drive how difficult is replacing the shift cable?
I don't have the year or serial number yet but wanted an idea of how long this job would take and any special tools needed.
Looking at the Merc shop manual i need a special tool for the nut on the lower cable where it goes through the transom.

I have done several Cobra drives but this will be my first Merc...

 

[JustJason]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

I don't think it's that hard, but i've done a bunch of them.
It all depends on the year and if the gimble needs to be converted or not.
If it's the old style, and the cable threads in the front of the gimbal housing, then the housing will need to come off to get the cable out.
If its new style and the cable threads in the rear of the gimble, then its fairly easy unless there's a ton of corrosion in there.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

Thanks Jason,
I think i will pass on this job.
The guy thinks it can be done in 2 hours.....He just wants it done cheap...
Sorry,Not from me...

I'm doing this as a mobile service and not a job a want to do in someones driveway..He wants it done for around 125 labor! Not worth my time.

I will stick to the oil changes,gear lube service,tune ups and outboards..

I'm sure the shift cable would be at least 3 to 4 hours minimum..

 

[JustJason]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

With 1 person it can be a pita some times. You have to thread the cable into the housing slowly, and jump into the boat and relieve any twisting with the cable. With 1 person it's a lot of in and out of the boat. With 2 people its alot easier.
I'd say 3 hours on the shift cable if there's no corrosion and conversion issues, and if you have 2 people.
4 hours if your doing it yourself... again with no corrosion.
But it can easily take more if there's no room to put your hand down the back of the engine to grab the cable as it comes through. All depends on the boat. I have had to pull risers/manifolds and distro shafts to give me some room to get my arm down there. Especially on big V8's.

.....He just wants it done cheap...

He wants it done for around 125 labor! Not worth my time.

Yep... I never let a customer dictate labor. The job takes what it takes. I'll estimate when I pitch a job, but I always estimate on the high side. I'd much rather pitch a job and come in under budget. It's all about underpromising and overdelivering.

That guy will learn the hard way. He either won't get anybody to do the job for that kind of money. Or he will find some monkey to try it, and that monkey will more than likely screw things up. And he'll end up paying twice. I try and steer clear from those type of customers whenever I can.
I know what I'm worth.... I don't need some dope telling me what I'm worth.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

I replaced one on my last boat and yes it is a PITA!!!! Took me about 4 hrs and I was by myself. So 125 bucks is not worth it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

Thanks for the advice! I figured at least 4 hours after reading the Merc shop manual..
Let him take it to a dealer for 105 an hour...

He said the drive has never been removed in the 5 or so years he has owned the boat!
I'm sure it will need more than just a cable...I would hate to see the bellows and U-joints...

Man,will he have a bill when the dealer gets done!

 

[JustJason]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

I just looked... and Merc only pays 3 hours for that job if it's under warranty.
Any boat under warranty should be pretty clean as far as corrosion goes.
And if that drive hasn't been off in 5 years, your right, he doesn't just need a cable. He needs a complete transom service wether he knows it or not.

Email this thread to your customer

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

I agree Jason.

I asked him if the lower has had a lube change and he said he didn't know it was supposed to...

I could imagine what the rest of it looks like!
I'm sending him to the Merc dealer...

I could see it now...I get the drive off and it needs all new parts that he thinks does not need replaced.I do the shift cable then the drive fails later on because of such neglect and i get the blame...NO THANKS!!

 

[Don S]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

I've already had 3 this spring. The thing dies when shifting or can't move the shifter, so they want a shift cable. Pulled the drive to find a rusty mass of ugly. Water in the drive, ujoints and gimbal bearing locked up and froze to the splined shaft. Bellows with rips all over it, transom shield eat away from corrosion. Drive full of water. All on older boats that even the engine didn't run on (customer was going to fix that )

See, no such thing as just an easy service the engine and drive and on to the next job.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

Your voice was in the back of my mind on this one Don....
It was saying DO NOT take this job...

I passed on it....don't need the headache..
I know when i pulled the drive after not being serviced for years the guy wasn't going to like what i found and expect all of it fixed for what labor i quoted in the beginning...

 

[JustJason]

Re: 3.0 Alpha 1 lower shift cable replacement

You can always tell the guy you can take a look at it for 125, then provide an ESTIMATE on everything you believe the boat needs.
At least you make a couple bucks and cover your butt that way.
Boat mechanics are like doctors... people always hate what we have to say and are always looking for a second opinion.