Shifter and Throttle Cables
- Thread starter Jimmyvix
- Start date
I would suggest using the Search command, upper right on the screen. Try 'control cable' or 'shift cable'. There are threads regarding a number of different EY models, but the only real determining factor will be the length of the existing cables. For ours, I did chicken out and have a mechanic replace them -- but later when cleaning up the installation I was able to smooth out some of the radius curves to reduce potential friction. I hope a sister ship owner can chime in with particulars.
Happy Holidays,
Loren
ps: I did slightly change the thread title to make searching a bit easier. I hope you do not mind.
Happy Holidays,
Loren
ps: I did slightly change the thread title to make searching a bit easier. I hope you do not mind.
Last edited:
Thank you!
Many of us measure existing cables. (Often, with these old boats, they have been replaced prior with an incorrect length). But at least you can see how they lie. The cables should avoid sharp bends. They can be over-long, in order to provide a gentle bend. All that matters is that they fit comfortably in the space, and "go around" any obstacles without issue (or sharp bends).
Measuring before ordering also identifies issues with the connections, which rely on specific means of holding the cable jacket so that the internal wire can move inside the fixed jacket. Fittings can be rusted or misaligned, which is evident to up-close eyeballs.
Measuring before ordering also identifies issues with the connections, which rely on specific means of holding the cable jacket so that the internal wire can move inside the fixed jacket. Fittings can be rusted or misaligned, which is evident to up-close eyeballs.
Dave G.
1984 E30+ (SOLD)
Most likely a Yacht Specialties(Merriman). Look for a "YS" on the wheel nut for positive ID.
Phr3d
Member III
Loren and Christian are right about the radius on the bends - do look carefully at what is there to see if it is what should be there...
I replaced the cables (E34-2) with what was printed on them. It did take removing them to find the numbers.
Make sure to use some sort of messenger line when you do take them out.
Night and day difference with SeaStar Teleflex Xtreme 3300
I replaced the cables (E34-2) with what was printed on them. It did take removing them to find the numbers.
Make sure to use some sort of messenger line when you do take them out.
Night and day difference with SeaStar Teleflex Xtreme 3300
u079721
Contributing Partner
And speaking of radius bends...here is my thread from some years ago in which the gear shift cable on my 38 snapped from being in way too tight a bend. So don't assume the factory installation was correct! Also, one of my original cables was at least two feet longer than it needed to be, so do take a careful look at the layout to see if you have the opportunity to run the cable more efficiently with fewer bends.
ericsonyachts.org
ericsonyachts.org
ericsonyachts.org
Broken Clutch Cable
Just returned from a month long cruise in the North Channel. Everything was GREAT (the warmest and dryest August on record) except that as we were scouting around the final anchorage, looking for the best spot to drop the anchor, my wife put the gear shift lever in forward and felt somthing...
Engine Control Cable Alert!
A few weeks ago I mentioned that the control cable for the engine transmission on my 1989 E-38 snapped. I noticed that the cable went through a rather tight radius bend where it exited the binnacle, and suspected that might be the problem, but wasn't sure. Well, now I know. Yesterday I...
Improved Control Cable Run
After a very long Saturday afternoon aboard, I finally was able to install new engine control cables aboard my E-38. On of the original cables had snapped right where the factory had run it through a 3" diameter bend, in spite of the Morse spec that the bend be no tighter than 8". For the...
Since replacing my throttle cable, the throttle doesn’t hold where I put it in forward if I let go of the lever; it slowly drifts back toward neutral. I’ve tried tightening the clamp on the cable shield near engine, and that seemed to help, but not solve the problem. Where should I be making the adjustment?
Pete the Cat
Sustaining Member
Not sure what "cable clamp" you are tightening. Yanmar makes a cable clamp for adjusting the friction in the throttle Morse cable. Costs about $20 and you install it generally as close to the throttle lever as possble (generally at the base of the pedestal). You can get something that looks very much like it and will pinch the cable fine for a couple bucks at Home Depot--i have seen them but do not recall what they are really for. FWIW.
The cable clamp I’ve tried tightening is a brass fitting that I took off the old Morse cable when I replaced it. Not quite knowing what it was for, I simply moved it from the old cable to the new, putting it in basically the same location on the new cable, which is about a foot aft of where the throttle cable attaches to the engine. I’ll try to get a picture next time I’m at the boat, for posterity. I haven’t wanted overtighten the old clamp and risk damaging the new cable jacket, but it sounds like may be the adjustment I need, rather than some fine tuning at the pedestal?
Pete the Cat
Sustaining Member
I would have to see it to tell if it is the kind of clamp that is used for that purpose. Sounds like it is. I know mechanics often put these where they are convenient (like near the motor) rather than closer to the throttle lever (which can be a PIA, but is recommended) and it seems to work OK there--I have never seen a failure due to location. Does often take a few adjustments to get it right--enough, but not too much, friction.
Pete the Cat
Sustaining Member
This is what the easy clamp to apply looks like. Morse makes one that is more complicated and expensive to install. https://www.go2marine.com/products/cable-brake-30-40-60-series
Mine has this for a cable clamp:
It's called a split bolt, and is sold in the electrical section of most hardware stores for about $7-$8, (link). They're meant for clamping large ground wires together in electrical applications.
It's called a split bolt, and is sold in the electrical section of most hardware stores for about $7-$8, (link). They're meant for clamping large ground wires together in electrical applications.
It has to be tightened enough that it starts to compress the jacket around the cable. Mine is located a few inches from the engine, where it is easy to adjust. There is typically nothing in the pedestal that allow for cable friction adjustment.
Last edited:
peaman
Contributing Partner
This is a really good way to go, as besides being inexpensive and fairly easy to source, it is also easier than some to adjust "just right" and it will not rust.
Pete the Cat
Sustaining Member
I agree that there is nothing in the pedestal to adjust, but Edson recommends putting the clamp at the pedestal base. I am not sure it makes a big difference. I have put clamps in both places and never had a problem in thousands of hours.
Dave G.
1984 E30+ (SOLD)
Is it the throttle or gear shift cable ? You mention that it "I put it in forward and it drifts back to neutral" Which part of the cable is "drifting". Is the outer sleeve sliding through the clamps ? Or is the core cable moving inside the sleeve ? If it's the outer you need to get more torque on the clamp(s). If it's the inner and it's the throttle cable check spring tension at throttle lever on the engine.
Yes, this is the clamp I have.
Thanks, Dave. It is the throttle; my description was incorrect. I increase the throttle, and it eases back off when I let go of the lever. I’ll check the spring tension.
it eases back off when I let go of the lever
A split bolt or similar, as mentioned above, ought to solve that. It just crushes the cable jacket to provide resistance. Crude, but standard.
A split bolt or similar, as mentioned above, ought to solve that. It just crushes the cable jacket to provide resistance. Crude, but standard.
An Edson 8” pedestal will also have an internal screw on the throttle side which can be used to provide tension. There’s one shown in this parts kit.
https://edsonmarine.com/standard-clutch-and-throttle-control-8/
https://edsonmarine.com/standard-clutch-and-throttle-control-8/