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View Full Version : Lower Shift Cable Question - Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2


fixitforfree
05-27-2021, 07:23 AM
I need to replace my lower shift cable on my 99 model Mercruiser Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive. I removed the outdrive and detached the cables up at the engine. My problem is unthreading the shift cable completely from the bell housing. I used a tool and it came undone about 2 full turns with no issue but then it started binding as if the cable is wadding up on me somewhere. I confirmed the cable is turning on the outside of the boat. I confirmed this by removing the cable bellows and sticking my little finger as far up in the transom as I could while turning the cable. It is turning freely all the way outside the boat but, on the inside of the boat, even if I get vice grips and help turn it while I have a helper turn from outside the boat I cannot get any rotation inside the boat. What in the heck could be binding to prevent my shift cable from unthreading all the way so I can pull it out of the back of the transom to replace it?

Just wonder if any of you have experienced this? I stopped because I was afraid I would twist the cable and break it and have a bigger problem.

Any help, suggestions are appreciated.

greg
powerabout
05-27-2021, 09:49 AM
just cut it at the bell housing
fixitforfree
05-27-2021, 10:28 AM
Just to clarify, you are saying go on the boat side of the threaded portion of the cable and cut it? I was trying to avoid taking my bell housing off since I replaced all of my bellows besides this shift cable bellows last year. Can cut it with the bellows on and still pull it out?

Thanks for your time and info,
greg
powerabout
05-27-2021, 08:44 PM
Just to clarify, you are saying go on the boat side of the threaded portion of the cable and cut it? I was trying to avoid taking my bell housing off since I replaced all of my bellows besides this shift cable bellows last year. Can cut it with the bellows on and still pull it out?

Thanks for your time and info,
greg\
yes cut it just behind the nut to make it easy to unscrew with your deep socket and then you just pull the boat side part out from the boat side.
Does that make sense?