Shift cable clarification

[keithm1961]

Had the boat out for a great weekend, all went well with the newly rebuilt 85 horse Johnson. 2 Minor mishaps I'd like to ask about. I checked shift cable adjustment while hooked to the hose, never letting engine go above idle, all seemed fine. In the water I had the same result for awhile, after a couple of hours running, It wouldnt shift into reverse, the movement of the shift lever is smooth so I re adjusted the cable and it worked great, for awhile. I finally changed the length of the shift rod 1 turn and that seemed to solve it. The cables are old, should I replace them just so I know whats up. Also what is the proper way to measure and rout the cables. The cables I have on it are WAY to long, so they are looped under the motor well. I'd like to get the right length but the info I've found says once the measurements are made add 4 feet, that seems excessive.

The other problem is at full throttle the fuel bulb collapsed and killed the engine, I checked the vent on the tank and it was clear. I dissconnected the quick release at the tank the bulb stayed flat, when I reconnected it vented and the bulb went back to normal. It sounds like some kind of venting issue, any ideas.

Thanks
Keith

BTW the boat is a 15' 1974 ebbtide lakemaster

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Shift cable clarification

Was that engine put together without the proper manual? Fuel delivery, and shifting problem? What made the engine go (Bang) the first time?

 

[keithm1961]

Re: Shift cable clarification

No the engine was put together correctly, there was no BANG at all. Like I said the engine runs great and is very smooth, I'm just having a shift issue.

The fuel bulb did pull in like the tank wasnt vented.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Shift cable clarification

The manual will point out how to adjust shift linkage, and test fuel pump, and tank. That would take to long to explain here.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Shift cable clarification

Ok, you did not state the model of the engine, but the boat is a '74, so I'm gonna assume here: Not sure about the cable acting that way, sounds like something is not locked down properly. The extra length in the cable is so it doesn't bind in turns or when tilting the engine. I believe you measure the black plastic sheathing of the old cable for a replacement. Check Teleflex for precise directions.

The check ball at the tank end of hose is getting stuck closed, not letting fuel through, and the fuel pump pulls enough vacuum to collapse the ball until all the fuel is gone from the hose.

Hope this helps.......

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Shift cable clarification

Had the boat out for a great weekend, all went well with the newly rebuilt 85 horse Johnson. 2 Minor mishaps I'd like to ask about. I checked shift cable adjustment while hooked to the hose, never letting engine go above idle, all seemed fine. In the water I had the same result for awhile, after a couple of hours running, It wouldnt shift into reverse, the movement of the shift lever is smooth so I re adjusted the cable and it worked great, for awhile. I finally changed the length of the shift rod 1 turn and that seemed to solve it. The cables are old, should I replace them just so I know whats up. Also what is the proper way to measure and rout the cables. The cables I have on it are WAY to long, so they are looped under the motor well. I'd like to get the right length but the info I've found says once the measurements are made add 4 feet, that seems excessive.

The other problem is at full throttle the fuel bulb collapsed and killed the engine, I checked the vent on the tank and it was clear. I dissconnected the quick release at the tank the bulb stayed flat, when I reconnected it vented and the bulb went back to normal. It sounds like some kind of venting issue, any ideas.

Thanks
Keith

BTW the boat is a 15' 1974 ebbtide lakemaster

how long are your cables and how long do you need? i have one that is too short (only 1 because elec shift)... maybe we could trade!

 

[hammond]

Re: Shift cable clarification

My dad bought a Pontoon boat that had the same problem with the bulb it turned out that some one had put the fuel line on backwards so it sucked down the bulb at hi speed.

 

[keithm1961]

Re: Shift cable clarification

Andy in NewYork

They are 15 foot type 400 cables. I'm measuring for an 11 or 12 foot.

Keith

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Shift cable clarification

ill have to measure mine but i would venture to guess its around 10 or 11 feet... but i only have one. technically i have 2, but one of them the controls side is busted. if you wre interested in trading 1 for 1 i would be down for that...