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Shift cable problems

  • Thread starter Glasport in Newport
  • Start date
G

Glasport in Newport

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"I have a Mercruiser 3.0 alpha

"I have a Mercruiser 3.0 alpha one the we finally got on the water this past august. My problem is that I have to keep adjusting the shift cables at the cutout switch each day that I want to take the boat out. The shift cable is not tight and does not bind, I adjust the cables correctly, the next day i check them and they will set off the cutout switch. Does the mean that the shift cable to the outdrive is bad? How difficult is it to change out? I am a backyard mechanic and I have the Mercruiser service manuals for the engine and outdrive. I'm just baffeled that the cable may expand or contract enougfh overnite to change the cutout adjustment."
 
"That should not happen.
Is i

"That should not happen.
Is it cutting the engine out when you shift INTO gear, or what?
If so, very likely your lower shift cable is binding and the excessive load overcomes the centering spring on the switch actuator arm.
About the only cure is to change the lower cable. You can do it yourself if you follow the manual, though it ain't a fun job by any means.

Rod"
 
"Yes, drop the whole drive uni

"Yes, drop the whole drive unit, then just follow the cable replacment instructions in SM 14 for the Gen II, or SM 6 for the Alpha and pre-Alpha drives.

HINT: When you order the cable kit, also order the cable retainer nut tool. It is a specialized socket that you almost can't do the job without.

Rod"
 
"Thanks for the help. I just

"Thanks for the help. I just thought that it was strange for the adjustments to change. I would understand it if the cable was binding & may never adjust, but I can adjust it to work, but the adjustment will only last for the day. The cutoff switch kicks in when I shift into gear either forward or reverse if the adjustment is off a lot. If it's off a little, it will only kick in when in gear at wide open throttle (forward or reverse)."
 
That all points to faulty lowe

That all points to faulty lower shift cable.
Suggest you replace it and all your shifting troubles should be gone.

Rod
 
"Thanks for the help, I apprec

"Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!"
 
"regarding the shift cable adj

"regarding the shift cable adjusting.The cable is silver soldered at each end and its breaking down,thus the cable becomes mushy.Its impossible to keep it adjusted without a new cable. Good luck i've changed them too many times and its painful."
 
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