280 outdrive shift cable replacement

[cheechako]

Any good instructions anywhere on this? My VP manual says nothing....

 

[captmello]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

The cable is attached inside the shift cover of the outdrive. the cable housing is attached where it enters the front of the outdrive by the small bracket with two bolts. Once these two are disconnected, the cable can be pulled out of the transom shield cable housing from inside the boat. The other end is fed to the control box. The cable needs to be measured. Some cables have the length printed on the housing.

This is not a difficult job but you need to remove the throttle control box to access the cable. I wouldn't expect to find any printed instructions.

Good Luck.

 

[cheechako]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

OK, thanks. Looking at the cable in the shift control box on the outdrive, it looked to me like it had a seal around the cable.... I guess I'd better take another look.... going from memory, just "pulling it out" would dislocate that seal.... I need to look more closely I guess...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

There shouldn't be a seal or anything with the cable.
The cable goes through the tube inside the boat and out the transom assy.
Like Capt Mello says the 2 screws and loosen the clamp.
Make sure that you measure the cable. too long will work,just not as good.
It will have a length stammped in it on one end or the other.
Remember the tube will need to be routed UP so the boat doesn't fill with water.

 

[cheechako]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

Wow... that tube sounds critical.... easy to replace while I'm at it?

 

[Don S]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

The tube is just a hose the cable runs through. Just have the end well up above the water line. No need to replace it unless it's falling apart and leaking.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

If my memory is right it just unscrews,but like Don said don't replace it, unless it's shot!

 

[cheechako]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

If my memory is right it just unscrews,but like Don said don't replace it, unless it's shot!

So .......... it's best to wait until AFTER the boat sinks? ha ha ... just kidding....

 

[cheechako]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

Not sure whether to replace the cables or not. I now have them both disconnected, there is some resistance to shifting, but not like it's hard to push or anything like that. Not sure how much of that is the shifting mechanism or not. Should it be real easy , like fingertip pressure with both unhooked?

 

[Don S]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

Try this, if you still have the cable hooked at the control. Have some hold the cable at the drive end while you shift the lever. If you can feel the resistance, replace the cable.

With the cable disconnected at both ends, you should be able to move the cable easily with two fingers.

The controls don't fail that often. Usually they break when they are forced due to defective cables.

 

[cheechako]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

I've got a new cable on the way. The old was is pretty stiff even out of the boat. Does the new one just self feed right on through? should I lube it with something to help?
The bellcrank inside the 280 drive housing (under the cover) is pretty sloppy on the pin it rotates on... is this normal? doesnt really look like it's ovalized or anything, but maybe they just make them real sloppy in cast it wants to corrode in the seawater....?

 

[Don S]

Re: 280 outdrive shift cable replacement

The bellcrank inside the 280 drive housing (under the cover) is pretty sloppy on the pin it rotates on... is this normal? doesnt really look like it's ovalized or anything, but maybe they just make them real sloppy in cast it wants to corrode in the seawater....?


It's not supposed to be "REAL" sloppy, but it's not tight like a shaft in a bushing either. Just a pin going through a tube. But on a 280, it could be worn too.