clattering from lower leg when shifting

[SteveFallon]

my shifter doesn’t clunk into gear anymore. When I shift there is a clatter8ng sound coming form the lower leg area and it just doesn’t feel right. Almost like something is loose. Any ideas? It’s a mercruiser alpha one. I’d post a video if I knew how.

 

[porscheguy]

Shift cable out of adjustment. The cables stretch over time and repeated usage.

 

[Rick Stephens]

Time to go through the Alpha Drive Shift cable adjustment video.

 

[SteveFallon]

The problem is, the newer shift cables aren't adjustable. Mine is a 2010 and the brass cylinder is pinned onto the threaded part so you cannot adjust it. I guess my only option would be to replace it and hope that it fixes the problem. I would assume i would replace the one going from the engine to the lower leg? Or, would it be the one to the throttle?

 

[Rick Stephens]

You still need to adjust everything. All the dimensions need to be set to the book.

The cable from engine to drive, the 'lower shift cable', is the one that gets the most wear and tear.

 

[SteveFallon]

Thanks. I'll see if I can replace the lower **** cable since i cannot adjust it.

 

[Rick Stephens]

You do not adjust the lower, you adjust everything else to spec. The lower cable is just set to a fixed length. You adjust the cable from the shifter and the throw pin location, which sets length of lower cable travel, to match.

 

[SteveFallon]

Yes I understand that the lower cable does not get adjusted. That's why i was going to replace it in case it has stretched. The other 2 cables on my mercruiser are NOT adjustable because the brass barrel is locked on there by the manufacturer. I know on the older models you can spin this and adjust it but I do not have that option. Is there another way to adjust it?