Bell housing removal

[rebars1]

I have a 1971 merc888, Ford 302, R outdrive. I need to replace the bellows and gimball bearing bur am confused as to what to do with the shift cable before remving the bell housing (drive unit off) Do I pull it back into the boat or leave it where it is? Do I need to remove the brass nut at where it passes through the bell housing? I've checked Seloc and Clymer as well as Mercstuff and other sites, but am not quite clear on the procedure. Is there a good source for the special tools?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bell housing removal

You are installing a New cable, Aren't you ???????<br /><br />If so, Rip it out,+ Toss it.......<br /><br />On that old of a unit, Your going to need to up-date it to the newer cable, as yours is NLA......<br /><br />To Not replace it, while you're already that Deep into your drive, <br />Would be Insane...........

 

[rebars1]

Re: Bell housing removal

I don't know if the guy before me replaced the cable. I know he replaced the brass slide shifter at the end of the cable. Is there a kit for the update? <br /><br />By the way, Bondo, the Y pipes went in just fine.

 

[Don S]

Re: Bell housing removal

Most of your problems seem to be because you don't have the right manual. The Mercruiser manual has all the information on the cable. Basically the cable will slide through the cable bellows enough to change the bellows.<br />Below is the link to section 4A of the manual that includes changing the cable, and identifying which one you have.<br /><br /> Section 4A of Merc Serv. Manual #6

 

[rebars1]

Re: Bell housing removal

Thanks for the lead, DonS. From the diagrams it looks like the guy before me converted the shift cable to the newer style, with the nut on the aft side.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bell housing removal

By the way, Bondo, the Y pipes went in just fine.

Glad to hear That.............