Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

I am pretty sure I have snapped the shift cable that goes from the top of the motor linkage to the drive. What's involved in replacing it?

My main question, is do you R&R the cable from inside the engine room or from the outside of the boat after removing the drive?

I know this is warranty covered, but I doubt I can get it fixed in short order in the first week of August.

Thanks in advance. What sucks is we just replaced this cable exactly 1 year ago.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Brian for you anything call me for the "tricks of the trade"

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

cont

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

GOODT,
Thanks for taking the time to put up detailed service manual info for people's problems. I always enjoy reading your posts and not very many marine techs are willing to help someone out for free.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Good luck getting the boat fixed and hope your back on the water soon Brian.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

your very welcome, I enjoy trying to be of some help and theres plenty of work out there, dont always have to make a buck

I would rather hear stories of happy people that fixed it them selves then stories of how people got ripped off

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Nice job Joe. Good luck Brian.

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

Hey 88Fountain when we gonna pool shark some other sucker? :D

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

:D

Re: Anatomy of replacing a shift cable...
 

I had to replace one last year. It is the only time that I've ever done one. I had to drill it out. That brass looking material was impossible to drill! I used every type of drill bit and the material just was impossible to cut through (and I am sure that the bits were sharp). It seems that it was lubricating the drill bit and not allowing it to cut. The brass would turn to an incredibly fine "dust." Is this a regular occurence, or am I just inept or unlucky?

Also, for anyone doing this job, make sure that you route the cable in a way that it can't come in contact with the coupler. That was the reason mine went out.

Thanks in advance,

Rene

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.