How to Replace Your Mercury or Mercruiser Shift and Throttle Cables

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Stiff, damaged or old shift cables can make controlling your Mercruiser or Mercury Outboard powered vessel difficult or even dangerous to control. Replace your old cables and your remote control and clutch will last longer. You must use the correct type and length of cable(s). Shiftcables.com has images of the correct cables for your boat.

Steps

1. 1
   Determine what make and model Remote Control you have.
2. 2
   Determine your engine requirements for the control cables.
3. 3
   Located and record the old cable part numbers and lengths. The numbers are usually imprinted about 1 foot from one end the cable. The length may be in inches or feet.
4. 4
   Confirm the length of cables that you need.
5. 5
   Allow for easy bends, turning and tilting of the motors.
6. 6
   Consider a good quality cable such as the Mercury Platinum Cables.
7. 7
   Pre-determine how you will pull out the old cables and install the new ones.
8. 8
   Consider running a snake attached to the old cables when you pull them out so you always have a rope in the tunnel for pulling through the new cables.
9. 9
   Make sure there are no tie straps or fasteners holding the old cables in place.
10. 10
    Disconnect the cables from the motor making sure to keep all the nuts and washers.
11. 11
    Remove and disassemble the remote control as outlined in the correct manual.
12. 12
    Disconnect the cables from the remote control taking notes as to how they were attached.
13. 13
    Pull out the old cables and make sure the snake is attached to the following end.
14. 14
    Attach the snake to the new cables and pull them through making sure you have the correct ends.
15. 15
    Attach the cables to the remote control and assemble the control as required.
16. 16
    Attach the cables to the motor following the factory manuals procedures.

    
    

Tips

• Buy good quality cables.
• Don't lose the hardware.
• Snake the cables carefully as not to kink them.
• Properly adjust the throttle and shift cables per the factory shop manual.
• Re-adjust your cables after 20 hours of usage.
• Lube the ends of the cables as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Keep the cables out of direct sunlight and salt spray.
• Replace any cable that gets submerged in salt water.
• Have a friend assist.
• For parts and more information go to www.shiftcables.com

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