Help with OMC/Volvo 3868156 joint venture outdrive shift cable please

[thovind16]

Hello.... Just got this boat and attempting to do maintenance that's been neglected by previous owners. I've figured most everything else out... Gimbal bearing is replaced and greased, bellows is finally replaced properly.... But my original issue was that I'd get flooding in the bilge.

The original bellows was never sealed, so I'm assuming that's where my water was coming from. However, I'm trying to find information on this shift cable but it doesn't match up with any videos I'm watching, or replacement parts I've found. I'm not seeing where this seals like normal shift cables. Is this how it's supposed to be? Or is this supposed to have gaskets and/or boots somewhere?

 

[Horigan]

In the engine bay is a tube sealed at the transom that extends up above the water line that the cable and housing run through. Are you still having leakage after the bellows replacement?

 

[thovind16]

It's not been back in the water yet. I'm assuming that was the main issue. However, I didn't want to have to tear this outdrive back apart of im incorrect. This shift cable doesn't seem like it would have to be sealed... The tubeyoure referring g to definitely looks to be above the water line. However, the fact that other outdrive have the shift cable I stalled with boots and o rings kind of scares me.

 

[Horigan]

As long as the tube sealed at the transom, it's a solid design. I haven't heard of that seal failing. A failed or improperly installed bellows will allow water into the boat. I say it's time to go boating.

 

[Lou C]

Unlike the original OMC Cobras these do not use a gasket between the pivot housing and the drive. The seal is made by the bearing carrier pushing into the outer edge of the bellows. The shop manual for the Cobra says to coat the inner lip of the bellows and bearing carrier with triple guard grease. I've always done this and haven't had water in the bellows.
The Cobra shift cable and the joint venture models are different so I can't say about that.