Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

[Tileman]

Just looking for a ballpark going rate for cable replacement on a Mercruiser 1988 5.0 litre with an Alpha 1 out-drive. The shift interrupter switch is hanging up, and the info I received here seems to be 100% accurate that I need to replace the cables. So I'd just like to have an idea before I bring it in. I can get it to work when I shift quickly, so I'm using it until I can afford to have it replaced. Thank you

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

Ayuh,... If you're Payin' the labor, consider replacing All of the rubber parts in there...
No sense it doin' it twice...
It's a common 5 to 7 year thing....

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

your supposed to shift quick, shift slow and even a new cable may allow the engine to stall.
shift into and out of gear with a quick rapid motion, dont baby it.
its how its designed to work.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

Yup more wear done by slow shifting than quick

 

[Tileman]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

I absolutely did not know you were to shift quickly. No one ever mention that to me, and I've been boating a long time. Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated.

But no one tossed a figure out there. That makes me nervous

 

[JustJason]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

When I do cable jobs I estimate 3 to 5 hours, for just the cable and cable boot. From start to finnish. The job is really a 1 and 1/2 man job, as with 2 people the threading of the cable goes faster, doing it by yourself is a bit more of a challenge.

On a 4 banger with good access your looking at closer to 3 hours, on a v8 with just enough access to get the job done your looking at 5.

Last one I did was on Maxuum last month with a 350, saltwater boat, almost no access. Took me 6 hours solo... lots of in and out of the boat.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

most cable kits are about $78.00 ish Sierra 18-2606 shows whats included.

 

[Jim Marshall]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

I pulled my engine out of a 302 Ford powered Volvo Penta on a complete rebuild and noticed that the shift cable looked bad. I was glad I noticed it because with the V8 engine in the boat it would have been a very tough job to replace.

Even with the engine out it was a lot of climbing in and out.

Jim

 

[Tileman]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

There's a ton of room around the engine in my boat which is a Hurricane, when you open the sundeck I can actually climb right around in there. Thanks for all the info, much appreciated.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Ballpark idea for price of cable replacement

My son and I did both LSC's this year. Much easier with 2 people, even if you have to enlist someone just when feeding the cable sheath through. Got them from aftermarket discount marine, $42 each kit.
I recommend replacing the shift shaft bushings with the new style upper too.