Changing Shift Cable in Legend 37 - Edson Pedestal

[Mickey Goodman]

I found that the shift cable has broken on my 88 Legend 37 with an Edson Pedestal. I have removed the compass and found that the cable broke at the junction of the "fork" where it entered the Edson "fork" at the shift lever. The "fork" will need to be replaced. Is this an item I must purchase from Edson?I spoke to Edson and they recommend replacing both cables in the pedestal since they feel the life of the cable is ten to twelve years, right on the money for the time.My question, Is there a way to replace the cables without having to take the pedestal down? I plan to buy the cable from West Marine.  Any advice as to the replacement would be greatly appreciated. Is it a real "hard" job to do the replacement?

 

[SteveC]

I would first try replacing without taking

the pedestal apart. I have an 87 with merriman components. A couple of years ago one of the steering cables parted and I faced the same decision. Although I can't speak about Edson, I was able to snake both steering cables through successfully without removing the pedestal. If you can't just 'drop them' through the top because of other things in the way, could you possibly join the old & new at the top or bottom of the existing cable and 'messinger' it through? Seems that it's worth a shot rather than mess with the steering & electrical stuff when you disconnect everything.