Cable, cone clutch or both?

C

CurrentObsession

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Aug 26, 2011
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1999 5.7 GM with Bravo III
Engine 0L319872
Drive 0L412583

Will not shift into forward, reverse fine and back to neutral requires going back into forward slightly. I was able to manually get it into forward by pushing on the cable further while remote was also in forward, but no amount of adjustment seems to get it done. Spoke with a mechanic on the phone, he expects it needs a cable replacement ($500) or cable and cone clutch ($1600). I am ok with the $500, but looking to not get scammed for the cone thing if it really isn't necessary.

Any guidance on my situation? Any way for me to rule out the cone issue myself, or at least what should I be looking for when he gets to the cone, as I wouldn't know what a good one vs a bad one looks like.

Oh, and what is the website that allows you to input your serial numbers and it takes you right to the proper parts?

Thanks
 
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Mischief Managed

Mischief Managed

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Messages
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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

Sounds like a classic cone clutch issue. I doubt your mechanic will do it, but you can fix it pretty easily yourself for almost no money. The forward gear and reverse gear are identical and can be swapped; and the cone clutch can be flipped over. Doing this will move the problem to reverse (the upper gear in the drive) instead of forward. While it's apart, clean the cone clutch (it's likely contaminated with burnt oil from slipping) and roughen the worn part of the cone clutch and the mating surface of the reverse gear with 100 grit emery cloth. It does not take a whole lot to get the cone clutch to engage, the roughened surfaces will be adequate. Since you rarely use much more than idle power in reverse, the forward gear will be like new and the reverse gear will last a long time after the cleaning/roughening. Also, should the reverse cone clutch and gear need roughening again in the future, you can now access them quite easily without even removing the drive, since they are on top.

If memory serves, you need Mercruiser service manual 11 (or just chapter 3: http://www.cdnbaylinerownersclub.com/phocadownload/Techbk/97/97hs3.pdf ) and one special tool: Mercruiser Alpha Bravo Drive Bearing Retainer Spanner Wrench 18-9803 / 91-17256 to do the work. It is not at all difficult.
 
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C

CurrentObsession

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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

Speakrdude said:
Now THAT is a good pointer!
Click to expand...

That is an awesome reply indeed........Thanks Mischief.

Update:

Mobile repair guy just left. He had me raise the outdrive all the way and had me work the remote from f-n-r. He showed me that where the cable enters the upper unit the cable sheathing was cracked and loose. He insists that all I need is the cable replaced. Seems logical to me.

Then he said that the drive would not need to be removed to do it, is that correct? I seem to recall from prior posts that the drive must be dropped.
 
Mischief Managed

Mischief Managed

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Last edited:
C

CurrentObsession

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
234
Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

Mischief Managed said:
That would be great if it's just the cable. The drive absolutely has to come off to replace the cable. Taking the drive off is a 10 minute job.

I took a bunch of photos the last time I replaced my cable. Perhaps they'll inspire you to try it yourself and save 400 bucks.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1500205917053.2071101.1591328395&type=1&l=a95d978078
Click to expand...

WOW....thanks so much. I am always trying to save some money and they call me Mr. Fix it. I could probably follow a step by step manual but I can't seem to find that specific procedure in the manual?
 
Mischief Managed

Mischief Managed

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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

CurrentObsession said:
WOW....thanks so much. I am always trying to save some money and they call me Mr. Fix it. I could probably follow a step by step manual but I can't seem to find that specific procedure in the manual?
Click to expand...

It's in there, section 4A. The trick about using the old cable to guide the new sheath in is not in the manual. Good trick though...
 
Mischief Managed

Mischief Managed

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
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Messages
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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

CurrentObsession said:
WOW....thanks so much. I am always trying to save some money and they call me Mr. Fix it. I could probably follow a step by step manual but I can't seem to find that specific procedure in the manual?
Click to expand...

Make sure to read my captions.
 
C

CurrentObsession

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
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Messages
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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

Mischief Managed said:
It's in there, section 4A. The trick about using the old cable to guide the new sheath in is not in the manual. Good trick though...
Click to expand...

I guess I don't have the proper manual. The CD I have discusses Bravo shift cable removal in section 12-36. Your earlier link references section 3 and your most recent reference is about section 4A??? Please help:)
 
C

CurrentObsession

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Messages
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Re: Cable, cone clutch or both?

Okay making good progress today. Got the drive off etc.

In anticipation of finishing tomorrow and not knowing of where I can get this part on the weekend, does anybody know what the thickness of the plate for part 91-17263 or 91-17262A1 (core wire locating tool) Looks to be a simple plate with a grove in it. If I knew how thick it is I think I could rig something up to suffice.
 
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