Shift cable woes.

[Flyin1500]

Howdy.

I have a 1984 Mercruiser 120 with an Alpha one drive. Recently it stopped shifting into forward gear, so I found a mechanic to come take a look at it. The shift cable needs to be replaced he says. Ok fine. Well it turns out that it is an older style cable that threads in the back....and I guess it's so corroded that even after hitting it with a torch, he can't get it out. Now I'm stuck with an outdrive that's off, no shift cable and no boat. I'm mostly venting, but I guess my question is, how can I get that thing out. The mechanic does not want to heat it up too much for fear of melting parts on the outdrive...which I think is good. Any ideas? Any good marine shops in the Seattle area? Thanks!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift cable woes.

Take the bell housing (or helmet) completely off the boat and take it to a machine shop if necessary.

Once it is out, you will need to tap the hole completely through for it to accept the new style of shift cable. Make sure to use the right tap - it is not a tapered thread, but a straight thread.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Shift cable woes.

Worst case, give it some more torque. It`s no big deal if it breaks .Drill and retap from the Aft side using a 1/4-18 NPST tap.install the newest style cable

 

[Flyin1500]

Re: Shift cable woes.

Take the bell housing (or helmet) completely off the boat and take it to a machine shop if necessary.

Once it is out, you will need to tap the hole completely through for it to accept the new style of shift cable. Make sure to use the right tap - it is not a tapered thread, but a straight thread.

I'll give that a try. Thanks!