OMC shift cable

GWC

Recruit
Joined
May 18, 2005
Messages
1
I have 4.3 OMC king cobra Sunbird boat. It would not go into reverse. i have the stern drive off. i can not get the shift cable to extend to the 7 5/8" at the engine spec. the max i get is 7 1/4" . the cable just seems to be to short. Is there a spec on the cable core length? can i get just the core? Do i have to remove the pivot housing to replace the cable sheath?
 

lakelivin

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 19, 2004
Messages
1,172
Re: OMC shift cable

never mind, had some questions that were very similar to GWCs, but called an online store & got 'em answered.<br /><br />Namely, I'll be replacing the entire cable and it sounds like for my '89 4.3L Cobra (not king), won't need to mess with the pivot housing to replace it.
 

lakelivin

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 19, 2004
Messages
1,172
Re: OMC shift cable

Bump since GWC never got an answer, plus reading through the OMC service manual seems to have raised similar questions for me.<br /><br />My boat has an '89 4.3L Cobra (not king)& I'm pretty sure the transome shift cable has never been changed. The adjustment at the engine end is well over 1/4" too long, and the cable is very stiff.<br /><br />I know I'll need to pull the drive (first time, but it was pulled last summer so hopefully no 'surprises' there) to adjust. So I plan on just changing the cable at that time. Given the age of the cable, seems to make sense to change the entire thing instead of trying to replace just the core wire, even though the casing looks fine at the engine end. Is this a correct assessment, or might I be able to save some time & effort by replacing just the core wire?<br /><br />If entire cable, I've seen 'complete cable replacement kits' that include the cable assumbly, two gaskets, and two 'o' rings. Based on that, I assumed that one wouldn't need to mess with the pivot housing. But in looking at the manual, it appears that I might need to remove the pivot housing. True, or is it a matter of just 'pushing things around' (U-joint boot, etc.) to get access to the cable guides?<br /><br />GWC, maybe you've already figured this out, if so, how about a shout back with your experience or any tips you might have. I'd like to understand as much as possible before I start to ;ull the engine. <br /><br />Also, anything I'll need besides the kit, triple guard grease, and OMC gasket sealing compound? I read something about applying OMC Adhesive M to the groove around the water passage. Anyone know an appropriate substitute for that I can pick up at a local auto parts store? <br /> <br />Thnaks for any advice!
 
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