Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

old and tired yes drill them out all the time I use cobolt bits no lube

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Just got done doing it last week. It took some time and patience but got it all done.

In order to get the old cable out, make sure you first remove the spiral wrap plastic sheath on the outside of the cable otherwise it will not come out of the gimble assy and could possibly jam up.

Take your cowling off of the motor and lay a blanket over the motor as you will be laying on top of the motor fishing for the cable.

Make sure you BUY all of the items needed, cable, bellows, clamps etc.. I replaced all. Lastly, as long as you need to disconnect the drives, sterring rams etc, I removed BOTH drives and did the normal routine maintenance.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Brian,

I have those Merc alingment tools as indicated in the pictures. If you want to use them, let me know and I can ship them to you. Just return them when done.

Jeff

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

fishing the cable is the hardest part, I use a cable fish similar to what is used to fish wires through walls makes it very simple and quick...if the cable isnt routed correctly it will rub on the coupler and last about 10 minutes

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

I am going to make a few calls tomorrow and look into having it done via warranty. If it was a 30 minute job; I'd do it myself. The alignment was just checked and tweaked two months ago, so it should be in good shape. But after the Chicago Poker Run, it only takes a few seconds to check it anyhow.

Jeff and Joe, thank you for your offers. I'll follow up as time allows.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Well, it was not a broken shift cable! Set screw or something came loose in the shift mechanism and destroyed the entire drive.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

OH CHIT! Are you going to make the Maryland run?

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

I think so. Mercury is sending me a brand new drive. Should arrive Thursday.