Have to change shift cables... Help

[boostscootinboogie]

Need to change my lower shift cable this week and also notice the water hose in the drive is cracking. Any tips and how to on going about doing the job so it is less of a headache and easy? What surprises do I need to look for and any special tools or adjustment? 89 with 350 and alpha gen 1

 

[Rcenter1]

Need to change my lower shift cable this week and also notice the water hose in the drive is cracking. Any tips and how to on going about doing the job so it is less of a headache and easy? What surprises do I need to look for and any special tools or adjustment? 89 with 350 and alpha gen 1

I used youtube videos to change my bellows, was very helpful, they even show you how to make certain tools to help, I used a steel ruler to make a claw to pull it on and a training wheel to beat on the snap piece on the inside. You need some glue and a lubricant that evaporates to make it real easy.

 

[MissBehavin]

You need some glue and a lubricant that evaporates to make it real easy.

+1

Soapy water works pretty good to help the hose slip on the fittings on both ends. Gotta watch some of the aftermarket hoses, the length can be a little long causing the hose to partially kink when trimmed full down. Mercury hoses are pretty good about being exactly 14 inch out of the package, but I always check them by pushing down on the bellhousing once installed (before installing drive) and trim the hose end accordingly if needed.

 

[boostscootinboogie]

I can't find anything on the cable to take it out or hose. I have drive off and it looks like unless i take the gimbal ring off I can't get to the hose is that right? And what took special are needed and how's the cable change?

 

[MissBehavin]

Its tricky, but the hose can be changed without removing the bellhousing (removing the gimbal ring would require pulling the engine, or drilling holes in your transom plate). Turning steering hard right will help you gain access to transom end of hose, and using a small block of wood to prop up the bell will help get to the other end. Its definitely easier to replace the hose when the bellhousing is off, but I would only do that if planning on replacing ALL the bellows anyways.​

As far as the shift cable, easiest way to remove it is cut the cable between the transom bellhousing and shift bellows and pull the cable from inside the boat. Then remove the remaining threaded part from the bell with a deep-well 3/4 inch socket. Its better to install the cable and inner core at the same time (keeps from bending the solid wire end of the cable core), but that would require making an extra deep socket with a slot cut in it (similar to O2 sensor socket) or buying the mercury tool. WD-40 in the end of the shift bellows makes slipping the new cable in easier, just make sure when routing (pushing) the cable not to get wrapped up in the flywheel, but rather pushed off towards the starter and routed between the engine bellhousing and Y-pipe for the exhaust (much easier with 2 people)​