Shift control cable

[Bob N]

I found my shift cable frozen (internally rusted) when I launched my 40-year old Pearson 2 weeks ago. Iwas stuck in neutral until I disconnected the cable at lever on the transmission. (Then I could reach in through the cockpit locker with a boathook and push the lever into forward. I just shut off the engine and coasted into my slip.) Fortunately, the mechanic at the boat yard where I haul out advised me not to try to free up the cable--he said it rarely works and jsut wastes time/causes frustration. He told me that they rust up inside over the years and need to be replaced periodically. I bought a new one, installed it (not fun, but simple mechanically), and it has made a world of difference. It now shifts smoothly and I don't have to hold it in reverse by pushing on the shift lever.

The most difficult part of the job was finding the right cable. As noted previously (deep in the postings on this site), our older boats were delivered with a cable with 5/16-24 ends--Teleflex CCX643 is the current designation (it used to be Teleflex 6400). That is not easy to find at the usual sources (West, etc) unless you special order it. Most cables offered are much smaller, and don't mate up to the clevis fitting needed on the shift lever attached to the A-4 gearbox. I found my mine on the web at Lighthouse Marine Supply, Riverhead, NY (www.partman.com). It was in stock and they shipped it the same day.

[joehinvt]

if you'd gone to your local napa store they could have orderd it and had it next day. i run a parts store and have a pearson 30, thats what i did!:)

[Bob N]

Of which I hope there isn't!:cool: