KC_Sundancer
Active Member
- Sep 8, 2009
- 1,341
- Boat Info
- 1985 270DA Sundancer,Simrad 4G Radar,Lowrance Gen2 GPS/Sonar/Structure Scan,F350 7.3l Diesel, tri-ax
- Engines
- twin Mercruiser 185R's (v6's) w/SE106 drives, "High Five" stainless props, Mercury 280 RIB w/9.9 Mer
New life in the shift cables
I had done this a few years ago and thought some may be able to put this to use on the older craft and save a few bucks.
After putting the new drives shifting was becoming an issue. To extend the life of the shift cables I did a bit of maintenance which can be done much easier than just replacing them. This also let me inspect them for wear in case they really did need replacing, which they did not. Shifting has never been smoother.
Step 1 was to remove the shift cable attachment on the engine end.
Tape the barrel nut to keep your shift setting saved.
Remove the set screws that clamp to the shift cable.
This is what the end cable clamp assembly looks like when removed.
Cable end removed
Here is the outdrive end of the shift cable.
Pull the shift cable out through the sleeve. Inspect for any broken strands. If there are any the cable assembly will need to be replaced.
If good; clean and apply a coat of marine grease.
Lubricate the cable sleeve.
I had someone watch the outdrive end to let me know when it started coming through.
The cleaned and greased shift cable was then fed back through the sleeve.
Last step was to put everything else back together.
You may also need to fine tune the shift linkage with everything moving smoother - I did.
Less expensive and much easier then replacing the cable assembly - 2 years since it was done and still shifting like new.
I had done this a few years ago and thought some may be able to put this to use on the older craft and save a few bucks.
After putting the new drives shifting was becoming an issue. To extend the life of the shift cables I did a bit of maintenance which can be done much easier than just replacing them. This also let me inspect them for wear in case they really did need replacing, which they did not. Shifting has never been smoother.
This is done on a pair of Mercruiser 185's (V6's) with Alpha drives and should be similiar to most cable set-ups. (Note the outdrives are already removed) The pictures will help in knowing what small parts are coming out.
Step 1 was to remove the shift cable attachment on the engine end.
Tape the barrel nut to keep your shift setting saved.
Remove the set screws that clamp to the shift cable.
This is what the end cable clamp assembly looks like when removed.
Cable end removed
Here is the outdrive end of the shift cable.
Pull the shift cable out through the sleeve. Inspect for any broken strands. If there are any the cable assembly will need to be replaced.
If good; clean and apply a coat of marine grease.
Lubricate the cable sleeve.
This is an attachment I rigged up with a silicone sealant tip and hose clamp.
I clamped this to the engine end of the sleeve.
I clamped this to the engine end of the sleeve.
Then I used my outdrive lubricant and pump to force lubricant through the sleeve.
I had someone watch the outdrive end to let me know when it started coming through.
The cleaned and greased shift cable was then fed back through the sleeve.
Last step was to put everything else back together.
You may also need to fine tune the shift linkage with everything moving smoother - I did.
Less expensive and much easier then replacing the cable assembly - 2 years since it was done and still shifting like new.
