I am replacing the shift cable on my alpha one. My shift cable is so badly crimped and damaged that I am unable to put it in forward gear for outdrive removal. The cable seems to have gotten caught and crimped where the drive pivots for tilt/trim.
Try to raise the unit and see if you can straighten the cable, if that don't work cut the cable and shift the unit at the slide coupling with a screwdriver
I've also had to cut several cables to get them to go into forward. What you are trying to do is get the shift shaft aimed straight forward (a) as in the picture below. That way it will slide out of the upper shift shaft.<br />If you turn the wheel to port, you can get in there enough to cut the cable as close to the drive as possible. Then (With the drive tilted up) reach under and turn the shift shaft so it's straight forward as shown. You may have to turn the prop counter clockwise at the same time to get it to stay.<br />Then put the drive back down and disconnect everything. Be careful and don't move the prop or it will turn the shift shaft. If you do, you can turn the prop and reach under the drive to move it without having raise the drive. Once you see what has to be done.<br /><br />
Very nice. I ended up using your method Don. Came out smooth. Hopefully you won't hear from me much this week.<br /><br />Mark K<br />Solomons Island, MD
