Re: changing shift cabler in 1981 OMC 400 stringer
the correct number is 981394 .The length is standard for those drives. The cables are fitted with melted-on extensions that fit the holes in the intermediate housing, the exhaust housing and shift assembly housing. BTw, repairing those cables is possible if the plastic isolation is cracked. Here in Belgium, we have these heat-shrinking tubes with a kind of glue on the inside. The tube shrinks and the glue melts his way into cracks . At the same time it seals perfectly and keeps water out. The shifter cable can be in perfect condition, even after 30 years. I sprayed teflon grease inside the cable tubes to keep the steel cables moving as smooth as possible.
Now , if you have removed the outdrive, the time has come to dismantle the whole drive. First remove the top cover, then you can lift the uppergearcase of the lower. It can be a little bit difficult to do it alone, so call-in some helping hands. Once the upper gearcase is removed, you can take off the exhaust cover by removing the 2 bolts on the outer rims of the lower gearcase. There is another one at the bottom of the tail, and one hidden under the rudder plate. Once those bolts are out , you can lift the exhaustcover . It will be "glued" on the swivel bearing retainer with silicone rubber, so it can be sticky. Take care about the shift cable that runs trough the opening in the cover. Once the cover removed, you'll see the shift housing with the shift cable attached to it. It is bolted onto the lower gearcase. remove those bolts and tap slightly sidewards with a rubber hammer to break the seal. When its loose, pull one of the shifter cables to lift the whole housing from the rack. Now you have your cable-shifter housing combination to work on . Succces!!
