Shift cable binding?

[smithrock]

'85 Mercruiser V6 4.3L
I'm having difficulty shifting out of neutral to either forward or reverse. I've adjusted my shift cable before and that has worked. I realize I need a new shift cable. But now I can't even get out of neutral, I feel like I'm going to break the lever! I kind of feel that the problem might be at the remote control (shift lever). Can I disconnect the shift cable from the shift plate and see if it moves with ease? I'm trying to isolate my problem to see if it's in the shift box or if it's just the cable.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift cable binding?

yes, you can disconnect the remote shift cable from the plate and see if this frees it up

if you have had shifting issues in the past like you said, start with the lower shift cable replacement, adjust properly, and see if this fixes it

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cable binding?

Well, I disconnected the lower shift cable, and it won't move at all! I think I've found my problem! I need a new cable. Question is: which one, which length?
'85 Mercruiser V6 4.3L Alpha 1 drive.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cable binding?

Well, I disconnected the lower shift cable, and it won't move at all! I think I've found my problem! I need a new cable. Question is: which one, which length?
'85 Mercruiser V6 4.3L Alpha 1 drive.

Anyone know about the GLM cables? Any good?

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Shift cable binding?

Did you disconnect it at the shift plate and it is stuck? If so I would remove the outdrive too so the cable is seperated by itself and try to move it just to make sure its not a problem in the outdrive. You have to remove the outdrive to replace the cable anyway.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Shift cable binding?

Did you disconnect it at the shift plate and it is stuck? If so I would remove the outdrive too so the cable is seperated by itself and try to move it just to make sure its not a problem in the outdrive. You have to remove the outdrive to replace the cable anyway.

I know that I have to have the control in full forward gear before i remove the outdrive. But how am I going to get it in full forward when the cable doesn't move? i currently have the lower shift cable disconnected from the shift plate. i did this to see if I could push or pull the cable, and i can't!