Shift cable bellows.

W

wengr

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Aug 9, 2017
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Hello, I'm trying to replace my shift cable bellows. I have it disconnected from the engine. I'm trying to pull it through the transom and I hope to avoid removing the outdrive. The problem is that there seems to be a plastic grommet where the shift cable exits the hull, and it is preventing the cable from passing through. Many people on youtube claim to have done this successfully, but no one mentions this plastic grommet. Their cables just pull right out.
I am aware that this is not the factory approved procedure, but even if I take the drive off now, the cable will still not pull out through the transom. Any advice appreciated.
 
J

Jmunk

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On my Alpha 1 Gen 2 the shift cable had a plastic spiral warp on the cable for protection that needed to be removed first. Just reach in and unwind the wrap, must be done from inside the bilge are.
 
R

ROY WILLIAMS

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wengr said:
Hello, I'm trying to replace my shift cable bellows. I have it disconnected from the engine. I'm trying to pull it through the transom and I hope to avoid removing the outdrive. The problem is that there seems to be a plastic grommet where the shift cable exits the hull, and it is preventing the cable from passing through. Many people on youtube claim to have done this successfully, but no one mentions this plastic grommet. Their cables just pull right out.
I am aware that this is not the factory approved procedure, but even if I take the drive off now, the cable will still not pull out through the transom. Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

cable outdrive shift engine switch ....
cable oil hoses rubber! 24hrs oils!
outdrive rebuild!
 
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nola mike

nola mike

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wengr said:
Hello, I'm trying to replace my shift cable bellows. I have it disconnected from the engine. I'm trying to pull it through the transom and I hope to avoid removing the outdrive. The problem is that there seems to be a plastic grommet where the shift cable exits the hull, and it is preventing the cable from passing through. Many people on youtube claim to have done this successfully, but no one mentions this plastic grommet. Their cables just pull right out.
I am aware that this is not the factory approved procedure, but even if I take the drive off now, the cable will still not pull out through the transom. Any advice appreciated.
Click to expand...
Don't know what you're working on, but if you tried to remove it without removing the plastic spiral wrap you may be in for an adventure. I'm not aware of any grommets on the alphas at least. Btw, just remove the out drive. Doesn't sound like you've been doing the maintenance on it anyway, it makes everything easier (honestly can't see how you would replace the cable with the drive on anyway) and it's literally 3 minutes to remove and 5 to replace plus a gasket.
 
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wengr

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Thanks for the replies. There was no wrap on this one. The problem is the plastic grommet that is installed from the bilge side. As this is a 5.0 the grommet is inaccessible. I had to cut the cable in order to remove it. So I lost the string path that I had hoped to maintain. The drive is off and I will now be installing a new QS cable and bellows. Can anyone please describe the best path for the the cable?
 
Bt Doctur

Bt Doctur

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Lower shift cable routing - Alpha One Gen 2 - V8

As part of a bellows job, I'm replacing my lower shift cable. Unfortunately, I was following the manual and it makes no reference to leaving behind the shift cable core or some other sort of line to serve as a fishing line to pull thru the new shift cable. So, I've been struggling with getting...
forums.iboats.com forums.iboats.com
 
W

wengr

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Still struggling with this. The original shift cable jacket would not come out through the plastic grommet. I had to cut it in order to get it out. Now the replacement cannot be installed because of the grommet. From what I see, the grommet cannot be removed with the engine in the boat. No idea how to proceed at this point.
 
nola mike

nola mike

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find a picture of the grommet. I don't think anyone has any idea of what this part is.
 
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wengr

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This gentleman mentions it at about 1:51

Forum won't accept photos from me.
 
nola mike

nola mike

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wengr said:
This gentleman mentions it at about 1:51

Forum won't accept photos from me.
Click to expand...
ok,
I think I see what you're talking about. one of the two items to the left of the gasket here?:

Amazon.com: Quicksilver 8M0176525 Lower Shift Cable Kit for MerCruiser Stern Drives MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II : Mercury Marine: Automotive

Buy Quicksilver 8M0176525 Lower Shift Cable Kit for MerCruiser Stern Drives MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II: Intake Manifolds - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
a.co
 
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W

wengr

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Yes Sir. They include a long one and a short one. I can't say how long my original is, but I can say it has a smaller inner diameter, and that is the problem. Maybe I can destroy the existing to get it out, but the replacement is difficult as it installs from the bilge side.
 
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wengr

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So I finally have my new Quicksilver shift cable and boot installed. (grommet which I suspect is not original needed some reaming) and now I am trying to adjust the shift cable. After researching many descriptions of the process, I see that a commonality is the statement that "while pushing in on the lower shift cable, the prop should lock while trying to turn it counter clockwise".
My prop does not lock, and the adjustment process fails.

The lower drive was removed first for impeller replacement, and then the upper was removed for shift cable and bellows, so I suspect that something was out of sync when I put it back together? Any suggestions appreciated.
 
nola mike

nola mike

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wengr said:
So I finally have my new Quicksilver shift cable and boot installed. (grommet which I suspect is not original needed some reaming) and now I am trying to adjust the shift cable. After researching many descriptions of the process, I see that a commonality is the statement that "while pushing in on the lower shift cable, the prop should lock while trying to turn it counter clockwise".
My prop does not lock, and the adjustment process fails.

The lower drive was removed first for impeller replacement, and then the upper was removed for shift cable and bellows, so I suspect that something was out of sync when I put it back together? Any suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...
Not knowing what you did, it's certainly possible to screw up the shifting when you split the drive or not engage the shift rod when reinstalling it. Does it lock in the other direction when you pull the cable out?
 
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wengr

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nola mike said:
Not knowing what you did, it's certainly possible to screw up the shifting when you split the drive or not engage the shift rod when reinstalling it. Does it lock in the other direction when you pull the cable out?
Click to expand...
I think the proper answer is no. Sometimes it will lock, but if the prop is jiggled it will release. There is no full engagement either way. If the cable is pushed in about half way, the prop spins freely and silently. Which I would assume is neutral. But with the cable all the way in or out (disconnected and operated by hand) , then you hear some contact with the dogs, but no engagement in either direction.
Also, the shift rod is engaged with the part that moves it, and it travels between almost straight, to about 65/70 degrees.
 
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wengr

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Can an inability to lock the prop be caused by an improper (not in forward) position of the lower unit when it was mated to the upper? Maybe I should take the lower back off and do it again?
 
nola mike

nola mike

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wengr said:
Can an inability to lock the prop be caused by an improper (not in forward) position of the lower unit when it was mated to the upper? Maybe I should take the lower back off and do it again?
Click to expand...
Yes, but it should still lock in one direction at least. I'd take the whole drive off, and if it isn't shifting correctly then, split the drive.
 
flashback

flashback

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What do you mean by "full engagement ". The prop will require a slight pressure on it in either foreword or reverse to keep it engaged.
 
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wengr

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flashback said:
What do you mean by "full engagement ". The prop will require a slight pressure on it in either foreword or reverse to keep it engaged.
Click to expand...
I have been expecting a situation where when the prop locks - nothing but moving the shift cable will unlock it. Apparently that is incorrect?
 
Bondo

Bondo

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wengr said:
Can an inability to lock the prop be caused by an improper (not in forward) position of the lower unit when it was mated to the upper? Maybe I should take the lower back off and do it again?
Click to expand...
Ayuh,...... You need to hold the lower in forward, when you slide it into the upper,....
 
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