Trouble shifting
Could be caused by several things. If you have a pedistal mounted compass, it will have to be removed. Mine is an Aqua Meter Gemini on my 84 C30. There are two sets of screws around the compass. Take out only the outer sets (4), this will allow the compass to be lifted out, the inner set holds the compass together. There should be 4 bolts or slot head screws holding the binnicle to the pedistal. I had to just about tear the base of the binnicle up because the screws were corroded, stainless screws and aluminum pedistal. Now you have access to the cables. First thing I would do is to stuff a rag down in the pedistal so you don't loose anything, then take the cotter pins out from the shift lever and cable. Move the lever back and forth, if it moves freely it could be the cables. if it is nearly as difficult to move it is most likely the bushing between the lever and the pedistal housing. These bushings are made of delrin which will expand with age and exposute to salt air. This is a fairly easy fix, you can get the bushings from Edson. Next move the cable up and down, if it moves freely then it was the bushing, you may also need to disconnect it from the trans to make this test. If removed from trans and it is still stiff, replace cable. There should be an acor nut on the aft side of the pedistal which holds a clamp securing the cables. Tie a messenger line on one end of the cable, remove the cable. When getting the new cable, be sure to get the same length. To install reverse procedure. I replaced the 4 stainless screws holding the binnicle on with hex bolts and a coating of anti-seizing lubricant. I was lucky in that I only had to replace the bushing on my throttle cable. By the way, check that one since you have it apart. My throttle cable also had a cable clamp on it that some one had tried to use to provide resistance, check for something like this also. Check the Edsom web site, their instructions are pretty accurate.
