74639A2 Shift Cable Bellow Fits MerCruiser Alpha One Gen I & II and Bravo sterndrives, Replaces 18-2753-2, 74639Q02

74639A2 Shift Cable Bellow — Fits MerCruiser Alpha One Gen I & II and Bravo sterndrives, Replaces 18-2753-2, 74639Q02

GHMarine shift cable bellow for the small rubber boot on the shift cable at the gimbal housing. Replaces OEM 74639A2 and cross-ref 18-2753-2, 89080. Fits compatible MerCruiser sterndrives with a drive-unit shift cable when your drive serial matches the table below.

Ships as one shift cable bellow + hose clamps when shown in product photos. Marine bellows adhesive sold separately.

Which bellow is this?

This is the shift cable bellow — the smallest rubber boot on MerCruiser transom assemblies. It seals the shift cable where it passes through the bell housing. It is not the large exhaust bellow at the transom, the U-joint bellow on the drive shaft, or the upper exhaust tube boot.

If you are not sure, pull the drive and look at the small boot on the shift cable at the gimbal — that is what this SKU replaces.

Signs yours is due

·       Hard shifting or difficulty moving in and out of gear — the small shift-cable boot may be cracked and letting water into the cable housing.

·       Water in the bilge tracked to the shift cable passage at the gimbal — replace the bellow before corrosion binds the cable.

·       Spring inspection: soft rubber, cuts, or rusty hose clamps at the shift boot — replace before the season, not after it fails on the water.

Will it fit my drive?

This shift cable bellow is Compatible with MerCruiser sterndrives that use a drive-unit shift cable at the gimbal — MC-1, R, MR, Alpha One Gen I & II, Bravo, Blackhawk, and Vazer per the table below. Confirm your drive or transom serial before you order.

OEM & swap numbers

Current OEM is 74639A2 (74639Q02 = dual-pack catalog number). Common interchange refs: 18-2753-2, 89080.

Wrong part? Read before you order

·       NOT for bell-housing exhaust bellow 8M0124227 / 18654A1 — that is GHMarine 17B1003.

·       NOT for U-joint bellow 816431A1 / 18-2747 — Gen II → GHMarine 17B1007; Gen I 60932A4 → GHMarine 17B1004.

·       NOT for upper exhaust tube 78458A1 — different location on the exhaust path (see GHMarine 17B1015).

·       NOT for OMC / Volvo shift cable bellow 911826 — see GHMarine 18B1001.

·       NOT a three-bellow transom kit — this listing is shift cable bellow + clamps only.

What ships in the box

·       1 × Shift cable bellow (74639A2 family)

·       Hose clamps when shown in product photos

·       Not included: bellows adhesive, exhaust / U-joint bellows

Often ordered with the other transom boots

·       Exhaust bellow (bell housing) — GH SKU 17B1003 (ref 8M0124227 family).

·       U-joint bellow Gen II / Vazer (816431A1) — GH SKU 17B1007; Gen I (60932A4) — GH SKU 17B1004.

·       Many shops install shift and U-joint boots first; put the exhaust bellow on last — it is the tightest fit.

·       This listing is shift cable only — not a 3-bellow kit.

Install tips while the drive is off

Work in a ventilated area. If you are not comfortable removing the sterndrive, use a marine shop.

1. Remove sterndrive; loosen clamps; pull off the old shift cable bellow.

2. Clean and roughen the gimbal housing and shift cable ferrule; coat the inside of both bellow ends with marine bellows adhesive; let dry until not tacky (often 10–20 minutes).

3. Install the shift cable bellow on the bell housing end first; tighten clamps in the grooves.

4. Reinstall the drive in forward gear; run at idle on muffs; shift F-N-R and check for binding or water spray at the shift cable passage.

FAQ

Will this fit my Alpha One or Bravo?

Shift cable bellow only — not exhaust or U-joint boots. Replaces 74639A2 / 18-2753-2. Fits sterndrives with a drive-unit shift cable at the gimbal. Match drive or transom serial in the table; horsepower alone is not enough.

What is in the box?

One shift cable bellow with hose clamps when shown in photos. Bellows adhesive sold separately. Need two? Order OEM 74639Q02 (dual-pack catalog number).

How is this different from the exhaust or U-joint bellow?

Shift boot = small cable boot at the gimbal (74639A2). U-joint boot = drive shaft (816431A1 — GH SKU 17B1007 Gen II / 17B1004 Gen I). Exhaust boot = bell housing (8M0124227 — GH SKU 17B1003). Three different rubbers, three SKUs.

Do I need adhesive or tool 91-45497A1?

Yes — plan marine bellows adhesive on both bellow ends (dry until not tacky before clamping). Expander tool 91-45497A1 is mainly for exhaust / U-joint boots; shift cable bellow still needs adhesive at the gimbal ferrule.

Please note

Aftermarket replacement part. Not affiliated with engine manufacturers named above. "Compatible with", "Replaces", and cross-ref numbers mean this part is built to work like the originals listed — always confirm fit with your drive serial number.