Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

[Brentathon]

I'm ready to install a new shift cable in my Alpha Gen I; I tightened the shift cable retainer nut into the Bell Housing:

Should the inner core wire be inside the shift cable conduit when feeding it though the Gimbal Housing and routing it up to the shift plate? Or, can you simply insert the core wire after the conduit is routed?
Also, it seems tricky to recover the shift cable once it's fed though gimbal housing; anybody have any helpful tips?

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

Normally you would feed the inner into the cable after it's in place. The trick I use to run the cable is a bit late for you to use now. I attach a length of cord to the end before I pull the old one out, then use the cord to pull the new one through and into the right path.... As I said, a bit late for you now...

HTH,

Chris........

 

[twostroke87]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

Like said above your way past the trick of fishing the new cable in.

To answer your question, no the core wire does not need to be inside the cable sheath while you route it into the engine compartment.

What concerns me is you never mentioned anything about the shift cable bellows.....don't forget that....

I find it much easier, after you put the cable through the gimble housing and tightened the retainer nut, to then work the shift cable bellows onto the cable sheath, and run it up towards the back of the retainer nut, then work on feeding the cable up inside the boat. This way, you are not fighting to get the cable through, while at the same time pulling it through the tight bellows.

Once you have the cable ran into the engine compartment, then slide the bellows up to where it clamps onto the plate. Make sure the contact surface where it clamps is clean, and apply bellows adhesive. Don't use the supplied C clip for the small end of the bellows, they are junk. Use two opposed black zip ties, tighten them with a screw drive and pliers.

Last, slide the core wire through the sheath up into the boat, as the core wire reachs hard turns on the sheath, it will become difficult to push in at times, BE VERY CAREFUL. Do not push hard enough to put a hard bend/kink in the core wire, be gentle and work it slowly, using some CRC 6-56 or Mercury grease 2-4-C to lube the core wire will help in your effort to feed it up, I caution though with the grease as too much will cause a problem. I prefer crc 656.

Good luck!

 

[boat127]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

, using some CRC 6-56 or Mercury grease 2-4-C to lube the core wire will help in your effort to feed it up, I caution though with the grease as too much will cause a problem. I prefer crc 656.

Good luck![/QUOTE]



you dont put anything on the inner core its already lubed with a special lubricant and using another grease with cause it to not work properly

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

you dont put anything on the inner core its already lubed with a special lubricant and using another grease with cause it to not work properly

Agree... The new cables are teflon lined and should not be lubricated with anything... If the inner doesn't slide in easily, then 'you done something wrong'.

Chris......

 

[twostroke87]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

never seen Mercury 2-4-C grease with TEFLON stop a shift cable in my life.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

never seen Mercury 2-4-C grease with TEFLON stop a shift cable in my life.

It's not the grease that causes a problem. It's what sticks to the grease... Little bit of dirt in with that grease and you have a very effective grinding paste, and then no lining inside the cable... If you ABSOLUTELY MUST put something on the cable, CLEAN engine oil....

 

[cr2k]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

Actually the grease creates a drag after a few years when the grease starts to dry out and stiffen up you will have problems.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

Well, thanks for the replies.
I did manage to feed-through some heavy fishing line, first......and then use that to pull the shift cable through....it was SOOOO easy that way.
And I decided NOT to use any type of lube on the core wire; I usually like to follow "the book"............plus, if it's teflon lined, grease may introduce risks, as mentioned above.

 

[Eyeman]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

I find it much easier, after you put the cable through the gimble housing and tightened the retainer nut, to then work the shift cable bellows onto the cable sheath, and run it up towards the back of the retainer nut, then work on feeding the cable up inside the boat. This way, you are not fighting to get the cable through, while at the same time pulling it through the tight bellows.

Once you have the cable ran into the engine compartment, then slide the bellows up to where it clamps onto the plate.

Would you be so kind as to open this back up and clarify for me how to replace the shift bellows. I'm a little slow in tracking your guidance. The manual is vague on how this is to be completed. My present state has the bell housing removed. 1999 BIII.

 

[Brentathon]

Re: Alpha Shift Cable Install Question

I'm not familiar with BIII's, so since my original post was for Alpha Gen I, it may be better to start your own thread?........maybe?