Shift Cable - Why not tighten it in the bell?

[Glaspar_Fan]

I'm replacing the lower shift cable on my Alpha outdrive (new style threading in from aft) and the diagram and instructions in the manual show leaving a thread or two rather than tightening it into the bell housing. I thought maybe it was to be tightened later, but I don't see that step. It really seems the intent is to leave it loose. I know those straight threads don't seal like NPT would, but it still seems like snugging the fitting so it doesn't twist would improve the seal. Am I missing something? Or can anyone explain why it's left loose?

Thank you,

John

 

[achris]

I think you are missing something. Once you have tightened the cable in the housing no more than 2 threads should be exposed...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

They are just letting you know what to expect. So people won't panic after it's tightened that there are a couple of threads exposed... it's normal. OR maybe that if it gets tight too quick and you a bunch of threads exposed, after tightening, then something is wrong.

 

[Glaspar_Fan]

Thank you for the pointers. I read the same thing and interpreted it wrong. Makes sense now.

John