Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246

[Whataboutbob]

I have a couple stiff spots in my control but is completely free when in throttle only mode. The boat is a 2001 246 with a Volvo do drive. I plan on inspecting and living the controls this weekend but figure I will likely need to replace the shift cable. I would like to take one up to the lake with me. Has anyone replaced theirs and have info on part. Thanks in advance

[akorcovelos]

Replacing the shift cable requires pulling the drive, which leads to a whole bunch of 'while you're in there' work like bellows, gimble and u-joint service, unless the Volvo is different that the Mercs.

[Whataboutbob]

So I watched a youtube video and it looks like volvo does not require outdrive removal. it is still not something that I think can be done on the water. I think I will try lubricating the controls and see what that does. It would still be nice if anyone knows the length etc. to order a cable in advance. Thanks

[slideruleracer]

Volvos do not need drive pulled for shift cable. Doing it in the water is technically possible, but would certainly be a challenge I wouldn't want to do if I didn't have to, especially with a swim platform in the way.

[slideruleracer]

Oh - for the 2004 250, the length is 17'. Not sure about the 246.

[smokymance]

What is a good place to get good quality replacement cables...been thinking about swapping out my 263 shift cable as well due to some difficulties w shifting.

LM

[Whataboutbob]

I had called wholesale marine thinking they would have length info which was not the case. They did come across as knowledgeable though and gave me instructions on looking for numbers. I wasn't able to find any numbers but lubed the throttle cable with cable-eze after disconnecting both ends. That helped immensely but new cables will be on my winter list. Winter meaning late next June

[smokymance]

I just did some investigating on the teleflex cable. Well at least this is what online says. The last two digits seem to be the length. My 263 uses the same cable for the throttle and the shifter. Length is 21 feet. CC63321 is apparently same as CCX63321 part for sale on amazon for about 50$

[smokymance]

Ended up purchasing the 21’ cable and was exactly same as what was in the boat. Volvo drive shift cable removal couldn’t be easier. Unhook the ends and route the new cable. My original cable wasn’t too bad. The new one feels smooth throughout the whole motion compared to the original. A test drive will tell if it helps any.

[AsLan7]

Thanks for documenting that SM....with pics!

[smokymance]

No problem! I was a shift cable engineer for 6 years a while back...and this was definitely a different product than vehicle shift systems... its such a long cable! Having a universal cable and shifter with all the adjustments, its important to put things back the way they were....for example, pay attention to the bottom of the Livorsi shifter....it is a symmetrical design underneath, which means you can route the cables from the front or the back of the shifter housing! Guess who found out i had them installed backwards? Me...at the marina!!! Forward was reverse, Idle was WOT....that was not fun!!!! My shake down run was cut short so ill report back once I have a full test drive done! I think i might replace the throttle cable too to make sure both are new and fresh...its the same part number as the throttle cable...even tho looking at how it routes to the throttle body, a foot shorter might be ideal so it doesnt have too many bends.

[AsLan7]

No problem! I was a shift cable engineer for 6 years a while back...and this was definitely a different product than vehicle shift systems... its such a long cable! Having a universal cable and shifter with all the adjustments, its important to put things back the way they were....for example, pay attention to the bottom of the Livorsi shifter....it is a symmetrical design underneath, which means you can route the cables from the front or the back of the shifter housing! Guess who found out i had them installed backwards? Me...at the marina!!! Forward was reverse, Idle was WOT....that was not fun!!!! My shake down run was cut short so ill report back once I have a full test drive done! I think i might replace the throttle cable too to make sure both are new and fresh...its the same part number as the throttle cable...even tho looking at how it routes to the throttle body, a foot shorter might be ideal so it doesnt have too many bends.

.
great to know smoky. Thanks again for the post. Great resource for the site!

[Big Block Power]

No problem! I was a shift cable engineer for 6 years a while back...and this was definitely a different product than vehicle shift systems... its such a long cable! Having a universal cable and shifter with all the adjustments, its important to put things back the way they were....for example, pay attention to the bottom of the Livorsi shifter....it is a symmetrical design underneath, which means you can route the cables from the front or the back of the shifter housing! Guess who found out i had them installed backwards? Me...at the marina!!! Forward was reverse, Idle was WOT....that was not fun!!!! My shake down run was cut short so ill report back once I have a full test drive done! I think i might replace the throttle cable too to make sure both are new and fresh...its the same part number as the throttle cable...even tho looking at how it routes to the throttle body, a foot shorter might be ideal so it doesnt have too many bends.

.
great to know smoky. Thanks again for the post. Great resource for the site!

I bet that got your attention quick yecks!

[smokymance]

Hope this info helps someone else w a volvo / dps or whatever else drive...i know most of the components between the 246, 262, 263 should be common so thats why im still posting here...just took the boat for a test drive yesterday (properly this time without having the cables installed backwards on the shifter) and the shifting is much much better...i can tell you now i have little less worry to come up to a dock than i did before...the old shift cable seemed fine, but after a test drive, that proved the theory wrong!...for around $50, i strongly recommend the cable to be replaced before digging into other issues!

[Thejosea1952]

So was a 17 ft cable the answer for the 246?