79 mercruiser 260 won't shift

[Gtroths]

I have just replaced the lower shift cable in my 79 mercruiser and can't get it set right or somthing else is wrong. I replaced the u joint bellow and the trim limit and sender and while I was in there I noticed the cable was a little frayed so decided to replace it but now can't get it to go in reverse when pulling on the cable while in the boat. Do I need to make a finer adjustment somewhere? I can get it into forward and the prop locks as it should when you turn it clockwise it makes a clicking noise. When I pull the cable out for reverse the prop clicks loudly like it wants to lock clockwise but doesn't any help would be appreciated.

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

You either didn't put the two halves back together correctly, or the cable isn't adjusted correctly. Hope you took the drive apart (assuming an Alpha drive) and replaced the impeller. Here is a vid which shows how to adjust the shift cable.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Or when you replaced the cable you didnt screw it in all the way. Cant have more that 2 threads visable or you wont get reverse

 

[Gtroths]

It's a pre alpha drive and I'm pretty sure the stern drive is put back together correctly I did have trouble putting the new cable nut on bc with pre alpha drive you have to screw in from the front but the old one goes in the back of the bell housing so I'll take it apart and try that. I didn't change the impeller prior to tearing the stern drive off the engine was cooling fine

 

[Bondo]

but the old one goes in the back of the bell housing

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... It sounds like yer housin' has already been converted to the more common Alpha style lower shift cable,....