03 challenger shifter cable

[tony0713]

this past weekend my forward/reverse lever was a little stiffer then normal to switch F/N/R. it used to be as smooth as silk. in fact it was fine when I left the dock but stiff upon return. any ideas? is there any way to lube the cable?

 

[Dr Honda]

If it went from OK, to stiff during a ride... then it's probably kinked somewhere.

You can try to lift the boots/seals, and spray in some Si oil. BUT... also check around the reverse bucket. There could be a bind there.

 

[tony0713]

If it went from OK, to stiff during a ride... then it's probably kinked somewhere.

You can try to lift the boots/seals, and spray in some Si oil. BUT... also check around the reverse bucket. There could be a bind there.

I had someone work the lever while I watched the bucket, seemed to go up and down smoothly. just a stiff lever.

 

[Coastiejoe]

You can isolate the issue by...

Disconnect it from the drive. Shift it, if not change, the issue is in the cable or the shifter. Disconnect it from the shifter, if the shifter is smooth, you need a cable.

They fail somewhat common as you cannot lubricate them. Once they get moisture in them, the are bound to fail as the inner metal parts start to rust...

 

[swneely]

I just replaced my shift cable for my sportster 1800, paid $115 on eBay. Worked perfect.

 

[tony0713]

I just checked out the cable. before I did anything it was nice and smooth. kinda weird but whatever. looked down at the pump and both cables look new, I remember when I bought the boat a little over a year ago the previous owner said he had the whole thing rebuilt by seadoo, I guess they put new cables while they were in there.

I did notice though that the previous owner has spacers in the rear 2 ride plate bolts. it makes the ride plate angled instead of flat, what would that do?