Page 1 of 1
helm controls - replacement/upgrade?
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 8:15 pm
by BobCT
You guys probably think I'm jumping all over the place, and I guess I am. I actually do have a plan but you probably can't tell from my random posts
So, I finally took the boat out today and it ran great as expected. First time with twin screws coming into a TIGHT slip with an audience, no pressure at all.
My biggest disappointment is the helm controls, they're horrible. I knew they needed some attention but they're too sloppy. The gear shifts work but they're tight and engage at different points. The throttles are worse with lots of play and out of adjustment.
Has anyone rebuilt these? I really want a nice consistent feel and not be compensating for 20 years of play when I'm surrounded on three sides.
Should I consider new controls or will they be good as new with new cables and/or adjustment/lube on both ends?
Bob
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:16 pm
by prowlersfish
Bob with out look at them its hard to tell but I would try lubing them. Also lub the lever on the gear box work it back and forth and lub it again. there is a detent ball and spring that can stick there
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:47 pm
by ready123
This is how I brought my stiff cables back to life.... now I do it every season.
http://www.all-about-houseboats.com/hou ... cable.html
Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 10:49 pm
by RWS
You have two DIFFERENT issues here to dealwith.
one is the controls, the other is the cables themselves.
Those controls will come out of your helm easily.
Remove them and disconnect the cables to isolate the problem.
RWS
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:37 pm
by gjrylands
stripperman2 posted this last year.
Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2008 8:28 am Post subject:
Okay folks- maybe this will help. It has been requested many times and this author's throttle/shift cable lubrication has been a very popular remedy for those stiff cables. If you can follow some simple steps, it'll be the difference between night and day. Credit to Oldhouseboater on Boatered.com -Below is a link which explains the procedure.
http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=95043
Here it is if the link doesn't work.
Once in a while a request comes up for information on how to lubricate control cables.
You need a foot and a half of 3/8 ID reinforced plastic hose from Lowes, a tire valve, three hose clamps, a tire pump or small 12 volt air compressor with a gage, and MMO.
Shave the tire valve down and clamp it in one end of the hose.
1. Remove the fittings from one end of the cable.
2. Put 3 inches of Marvel Mystery Oil in the hose for every 20 feet of cable length.
3. Double clamp oil filled hose over cable.
4. Apply and maintain 50 PSI of air to the tire chuck. DO NOT EXCEED 50 PSI.
5. It will take 10 to 30 minutes for oil to appear at the other end. then your done. Have rags to catch the oil if your in a sensitive area.
I suggest safety glasses just in case somethings blows apart, but I have never had a problem. My save rate on cables is about 75%. I did all my cables every 2 years as PM but I was not on salt water.
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 6:01 pm
by Stripermann2
Yeah Gerry, that does works. And it's from the same author as Michael posted, "Old Houseboater".
As far as the sloppiness, cables do stretch and pivots wear. You might be able to take some of the slop out with adjustment.