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Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 10:57 pm
by 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
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 9:40 am
by 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.
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 11:51 am
by 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
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu May 30, 2019 8:53 pm
by 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.
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu May 30, 2019 8:54 pm
by slideruleracer
Oh - for the 2004 250, the length is 17'. Not sure about the 246.
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2019 10:21 am
by 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
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:45 pm
by 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
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 8:10 pm
by 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$
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2019 9:05 pm
by 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.
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 7:56 am
by AsLan7
Thanks for documenting that SM....with pics!
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:05 am
by 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.
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:14 am
by AsLan7
smokymance wrote: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:05 am
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.
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great to know smoky. Thanks again for the post. Great resource for the site!
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:37 pm
by Big Block Power
AsLan7 wrote: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:14 am
smokymance wrote: Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:05 am
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!
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 4:36 pm
by 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!
Re: Any info on a replacement shift cable for a 246
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2025 9:57 am
by Thejosea1952
So was a 17 ft cable the answer for the 246?