gear shift cable on a 1955 elgin 5 hp

[Craig Allen]

I pulled the lower end to install a new impeller. I did not pay a lot of attention to how I disconnected the cable. The shift worked fine before I pulled the lower end. I can understand how the shift lever pulls the cable up to put it in neutral, but I can’t figure out how  the cable pushes down to put it in gear. Is there a spring in the lower end that pulls the cable down to put it in gear that might have fallen out when I pulled the lower end? Is there something I’m doing wrong hooking up the cable? Any pictures or answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

[seakaye12]

Yes there’s a spring in the lower assembly.  When you hook up the cable there should be no slop; set the lever so as to release the cable tension and tighten the cable.  The goal being to have it tight enough that it will “engage” neutral when the lever is set.  Hopefully your cable is not frayed at the end.

[Craig Allen]

seakaye12. please hang in there with me . I’m not following you completely. When I pulled the lower end, a brass tube came out. I put it over the cable down in the lower end. I did not see a spring.  Where does it fit. I have no down pressure on the cable in the lower end. If I had that down pressure which would put it in gear, I could understand how this works.  Putting the lever in the back position tightens the cable and puts it in neutral, correct? As to hooking up the cable, I can’t understand releasing the tension and tighten the cable. Also my cable is frayed on the end. How does this affect the outcome. Sorry  I’m not very smart. Thanks

[seakaye12]

I don’t know if the attached pages are an exact match for your motor but maybe they will help some.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Craig Allen

[Craig Allen]

seakaye12.  I can’t thank you enough for the info you sent me. I was trying not to take the lower end apart, but I had to find the spring in the diagram so I took it apart and there was no spring or washers as per the diagram. I spent 45 minutes combing the floor of my shop and finally found the spring and a washer. I installed the spring and when I was putting the lower end back together I broke the washer under the impeller ie the larger ear broke off. I can imagine that the washer would cost me more than the engine is worth but I am willing to look for one. Would you have a part number for the washer? If I can’t find one at a reasonable price I will try to make one. thanks again for the help.

[seakaye12]

Wow I feel for ya!  And;  since I do most of my work outside on the lawn…..45 minutes is nothing when I drop something! 

I will continue to look through my Elgin parts lists;  so far I have nothing that lists part numbers …but even if I did….old Elgin part numbers might not turn up anything anyway.

Those motors are common;  maybe a parts motor is in your future.

What is the Elgin/Sears Model number on your motor?  Armed with that I can look through some things I have stashed away here.

[Author]

Posts