shift cable and bellows replacement

[dixieboater165]

I am replacing the shift cable and bellows in my 1987 Mercruiser 165 w/ alpha one drive. I was wondering if it would be smart to put some perfect seal or bellows adhesive on the small end of the bellows. (where the crimp clamp is) Would this be a smart move?

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

O, and do you have to wipe the inner core wire with any grease or lube before you slide it in the cable? And are there any tricks for getting the end of the shift cable through the bellows? I can't seem to get it in. Big cable, small hole.

 

[tommays]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm <br /><br />this should point you in the right dirrection<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[paulhofius]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

hmmm, sounds like you are havin a lot of problems.. i would reccomend buying a new boat, they are a lot easier. or i know of a 1980 used citation with a 120 mercruiser and a little bit of starter problems but it has got to beat that old piece of crap your sittin on!

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

Ignore oldbrokeboat he's a friend of mine making fun of my boat. Thanks Tommays.

 

[murphini]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

question to dixieboater---what led you to replace those things in the first place--regular maintenance or leak?

 

[Kovacic]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

Dixie,<br /><br />I just replaced the shift cable on my 87 alpha one. I did not put any bellows glue or anything on the small side of the bellow. Just the retainer ring. Also, I have learned not to grease the core at all when installing into the sheath. Getting the sheath to slide into the bellows during the install is a b---tch. A little grease and a lot of patience.

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

The reason I am replacing it is because Don S and Trent told me it was corroded or kinked and it was causing my shift interrupt switch to malfunction. (shut off the power to distributor when in gear) I finally got the sheath through the bellows and the nut screwed in the bell housing. I am ready to put in the inner core wire and shift slide. It just seems to me it should have some grease in the sheath. The old cable had grease on it, but the manual says nothing about grease. I could pump the sheath full by putting a grease gun on the plastic end.

 

[Kovacic]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

I found this site to be very helpful. It mentions not to grease the core. My cable is working great!!<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/shiftcable2.htm

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

I looked at this site before I started. It doesn't say anywhere to grease the core, but where does it mention not to grease the core?

 

[xltier]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

greasing the cable i hear causes binding of the interrupt switch.makes the motor stall more.just what i was told at the marina.hth

 

[dixieboater165]

Re: shift cable and bellows replacement

Hmm, I guess I shouldn't grease it. I just thought that grease would help and sure couldn't hurt.