Shift Cable - Why not tighten it in the bell?

Glaspar_Fan

Seaman
Joined
Jul 21, 2012
Messages
63
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

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
I think you are missing something. Once you have tightened the cable in the housing no more than 2 threads should be exposed...
 
Joined
Mar 27, 2010
Messages
3,008
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

Seaman
Joined
Jul 21, 2012
Messages
63
Thank you for the pointers. I read the same thing and interpreted it wrong. Makes sense now.

John
 
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