Expert: Everett Peacock - 4/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: My 87 sea ray 4.3w/alpha 1 stern drive does not like to shift into drive or reverse when the trim is up(not in the towing position)so when I leave the dock in the shallows I, of course need the trim up however get the common gear grind and it'll never lock into a gear until I drop the trim.Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Sounds like the lower shift cable is sticky and should be replaced...

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QUESTION: This cable was supposedly replaced last season during bellows replacement, suppose theres an adjustment procedure that can solve this problem?

ANSWER: it sounds like when they replaced the cable it was not all the way screwed in, the cable into the bell housing..

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QUESTION: Thanks, I'll look into that possibility,I remember the owner/mech.was grumbling somethin bout corrosion.He had a hard time getting the old one out and he probably just thru in the replacement quickly.So no adjustment? And is this replacement/removal/adjustment an easy task? It looks like you really gotta tear into the stern drive Please advise...

Answer
The drive has to be removed, when replacing an old style cable with a new style, you have to tap the threads holding the cable. Old style threads in from the frount, new style threads in from the rear. so you have to tap thread all the way thru the bell housing..