Mercury—Quicksilver 8M0176525 Lower Shift Cable Kit | MerCruiser MC-I / R / MR / Alpha Series | Complete Cable & Hardware Set | 8M0176525

Overview

There’s a certain calm that comes from knowing your boat will shift exactly when you ask it to. Whether you’re easing away from the dock at sunrise or dropping into gear after a long drift, smooth shifting feels like the boat and captain are working together. When that smoothness fades — maybe the controls start to feel sticky or a little delayed — you notice it right away. The Quicksilver 8M0176525 Lower Shift Cable Kit brings that confidence back. It’s a full replacement kit designed to restore clean, tight, dependable shifting on MerCruiser sterndrives, and once installed, the improvement is unmistakable.

Key Features

• Complete lower shift cable kit with cable, o-rings, gaskets, connectors, and bellows
• Built to handle extreme marine environments, including temperatures below 0°F
• Layered cable construction ensures smooth, consistent shifting
• Direct, OEM-spec replacement for aging or damaged shift cables
• Designed to install using common shop tools
• Engineered and tested to Mercury Marine’s original equipment standards

Engine & Boat Compatibility

This kit fits the following MerCruiser sterndrive families:

• MC-I
• R
• MR
• Alpha One
• Alpha One Gen II (1978 and newer)

Ideal for:

• Older sterndrive-powered runabouts
• Bowriders used for tubing and family cruising
• Fishing boats with MerCruiser propulsion
• Classic cruisers still running strong after decades on the water

Performance & Practical Benefits

Over time, shift cables wear internally. Even when they look fine on the outside, the inner liner can stiffen, bind, or take on moisture. That leads to laggy gear changes, harder throttle movements, and a general feeling that your control system isn’t listening as well as it used to. The 8M0176525 kit replaces everything needed to restore that missing precision.

Once installed, shifting feels tight, smooth, and predictable. You’ll feel the drive engage cleanly, without hesitation or grinding. The cable’s layered construction resists cold-weather stiffness, heat expansion, and corrosion — all things that can shorten the life of inferior aftermarket assemblies. With the included seals, o-rings, and bellows, the entire system stays protected from water intrusion and long-term wear.

This is the kind of maintenance upgrade that immediately improves how your boat handles. It doesn’t add horsepower, but it absolutely adds confidence.

Why Buy OEM

Shift cables aren’t the place to gamble. A small difference in internal construction can mean big differences in how the drive engages. OEM Mercury Marine parts are built to precise friction, flex, and durability specs that generic options often miss.

With OEM, you get:

• Exact fitment for faster installation
• Reliable durability in saltwater or freshwater
• Factory-tested performance for long service life
• Smoother shifting that matches your original controls
• Peace of mind every time you drop into gear

It’s advice most seasoned boaters pass along: for critical control parts, stick with Mercury.

FAQ

Q1: Which engines or systems does this shift cable kit fit?

It fits MerCruiser MC-I, R, MR, Alpha One, and Alpha One Gen II sterndrives (1978+).

Q2: What makes this different from aftermarket kits?

OEM parts match Mercury’s original friction and construction standards, giving more reliable, longer-lasting shifting performance.

Q3: How can I confirm compatibility?

Check your sterndrive model and year in your owner’s manual and compare it to the fitment list above.

Q4: Can this kit be used in both saltwater and freshwater?

Yes — it’s designed for reliable operation in either environment.

Q5: Is installation straightforward?

Most boat owners comfortable with mechanical work can install it using common tools.