CVX 18 shift cable

[fireman24mn]

Does anyone know the length of the shift cable. I am going to replace mine. Was doing some reading and if mine is stretched it could be what's causing my lower unit problem. And yes I need another lower unit.  Thanks in advance

[Rich_V174SS]

The Mercruiser shift cable is a set length. They're all the same but there are two styles depending on how the cable screws into the bell housing - from the front or from the back. Front-side (boat-side old style) mounting can be converted to newer style drive-side mounting by rethreading the hole from the other direction with a 1/4 npt pipe thread tap. Cables come in a set with all the needed parts to install except for the boot that seals the hole in the transom, that will have to be purchased separately.

[fireman24mn]

I am thinking that I should also replace the cable from the controls to the shift plate, or do you think that one is fine. If it works it works?

[Rich_V174SS]

Usually those don't go bad unless you've been trying to shift your drive out of gear without the aid of the shift interrupter switch on the shift plate in which case the control cable could stretch and get sloppy. The old cable may have a part number and length printed on it, otherwise you can take the old cable to the parts shop and they can match it up with a new one.