Bravo III outdrive lower shift cable

[n6xb]

1994 454 Bravo III

My mechanic replaced the lower shift cable, but now after about 6 hours of running, the outdrive will no longer shift.

Is it possible to check the operation of the lower shift cable without removing the outdrive? If so, what is the procedure?

Also, I remember seeing a procedure for replacing the lower shift cable, but now I cannot find it. Can someone provide a link?

I am wondering if my mechanic installed it incorrectly.

Thank you!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bravo III outdrive lower shift cable

Howdy,

Your best bet will be to obtain a Mercruiser Service manual #11.


It's possible that the cable end has become disconnected from the latch and shift linkage assy where the drive contacts the gimbal mount.

You could probably remove the back cover plate over the shift linkage and observe movement when you shift it. (engine or prop must be turning though)

But the bottom line is that something is either disconnected or broken if it worked fine after the cable was replaced.


I would be taking it back to the place that changed the shift cable.



73/Rick

 

[n6xb]

Re: Bravo III outdrive lower shift cable

Thanks Rick for the help. I now have #11 and that will be a great help.

Can you tell me where is the back cover plate? Is it on the drive unit itself and can it be opened without removing the drive?

I forgot to say that the shifting became harder and harder and now it is impossible to move the shift handle. It is totally frozen in neutral. So I am thinking that maybe my mechanic forgot to install the lower cable wrapping and that has caused cable damage. It seems a little difficult to get down there to have a good look. But I will get a flashlight and try to check it out.

I need to try to figure out the damage my self as much as possible as I fear my mechanic will take a month to solve this problem and then the short nice weather boating season will be finished here in Seattle.

73/Tom

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Bravo III outdrive lower shift cable

It's fairly easy to remove and look inside, (#2 below)

Another way to test (and probably a good way to isolate whether cable or drive) would be to pull the drive.

Remove 6 SS nuts and the SS thru-"bolt" holding the trim cyls on the drive. Get a helper because it's close to 100lbs!
The service manual is pretty good on this.

Once the drive is off, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to shift the drive (while slowly turning the input shaft by hand) Don't try to shift a Bravo without turning it,.

 

[n6xb]

Re: Bravo III outdrive lower shift cable

Thats exactly what I was looking for Rick. Look like I will be busy this weekend... I will remove the plate first and see what things look like.

Thanks again for the help!