Sierra 18-9879 Intermediate Shift Cable Snake

Struggling with stubborn shift cables buried deep in your Mercury drive? The Sierra Intermediate Shift Cable Snake transforms a frustrating job into a smooth operation, letting you route cables precisely without the hassle of disassembly or makeshift tools. Boat owners and mechanics swear by this specialized puller for its reliability in tight engine bays.

Why This Tool Makes Shift Cable Work Effortless

Crafted from durable, flexible materials, the Sierra 18-9879 snakes effortlessly through convoluted cable paths in Mercury stern drives and outboards. No more forcing cables blindly or risking damage to seals and housings. It grips securely, pulls steadily, and releases cleanly, saving hours on the water—or dockside.

Key Advantages Over Basic Methods

• Precision Routing: Follows factory cable paths exactly, reducing wear on new cables.
• Universal Fit: Designed specifically for intermediate shift cables in popular Mercury models like Alpha One, Bravo, and Sport Jet drives.
• Reusability: Built tough for repeated professional use, outlasting cheap alternatives.
• Time Saver: Cuts installation time by up to 70%, keeping your maintenance schedule on track.
• Damage Prevention: Avoids kinks, frays, and misalignment that lead to premature cable failure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Shift Cable Snake

Follow these proven steps for flawless results every time:

1. Prep the Area: Disconnect the battery, drain fluids if needed, and access the shift cable routing from the transom and gimbal housing.
2. Insert the Snake: Feed the leading end through the intermediate path toward the engine shift lever, twisting gently for stubborn bends.
3. Attach the Cable: Secure the new shift cable end to the snake's hook or loop with zip ties or the provided fastener.
4. Pull Through: Apply steady tension from the transom side while guiding from the engine end—lubricate lightly with cable lube for extra ease.
5. Verify and Test: Ensure full travel without binding, then reconnect and sea-trial for smooth shifting.

Pro Tip: Pair with high-quality shift cables and marine-grade lubricant to extend service life and prevent corrosion in saltwater environments.

Common Shift Cable Challenges It Solves

Intermediate cables often corrode or seize in harsh marine conditions, especially on older Mercury setups. This snake bypasses rust buildup and tight radii that trap wires, making swaps straightforward. It's a staple for DIYers upgrading to 33C cables or pros servicing fleets—think flawless geometry for crisp gear engagement under load.

Boost Your Boat's Performance

A properly routed shift cable means instant throttle response, no hesitation in gear changes, and fewer breakdowns. Invest in this tool to maintain peak reliability, whether trailering to tournaments or cruising coastal waters. It's the unsung hero of drive maintenance.