torn shift cable bellow

[gilmisci1igan]

Hello ?
I have a 1993 4.3 V6 I/O Merc (It is an LX ? 175HP). The sterndrive is an Alpha One (Gen II).

Recently I discovered that the shift cable bellow was torn and allowing water into the vessel. I am considering attempting the repair myself as an off season project. Although I have never worked on sterndrives; I am pretty mechanically inclined, have the service manual and have viewed the few videos I have found online. It doesn?t seem like it would be all that difficult, but I?ve been around long enough to know nothing is as it seems. My questions are?

Is this a realistic project for an average DIY?er?
If I have the sterndrive off, what else should I be checking/replacing?
What parts/tools do I need to purchase?

Any feedback / comments / advice / warnings would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Maclin]

Re: torn shift cable bellow

Search around on this site, I believe I have read where people have done this without removing the drive. And yes, even removing the drive is definitely within the DIY capability! and would be a good thing anyway so you can inspect the drive bellow, ujoints, etc.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: torn shift cable bellow

Replacing the lower shift cable is not a intuitative process. I recommend you gte a manual, since it must be done in the absolute correct order to be successful.

Inspect the driveshaft and exhaust belows to see if they need replacement. They are a bear to do, so the manual will pay for itself twice, if they need replacing.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: torn shift cable bellow

I discovered that the shift cable bellow was torn and allowing water into the vessel. I am considering attempting the repair myself

Not that difficult. But make sure that you don't just replace the bad shift bellows, but the entire shift cable assembly. I am a big believer in aftermarket stuff... but this is one thing where the OEM Quicksilver brand is better.

Also - as mentioned, be sure to check and/or replace the drive bellows as well. If it has been awhile since it has been changed, now would be a good time before it leaks as well. Then quite a bit of damage can be avoided.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: torn shift cable bellow

Go to the top of the forum to the 'Adults Only" sticky and download the shop manuals for your engine and out drive. I believe the engine is number 18 and the drive is number 14. You'll have all the info you need plus a lot more!