What kind of control cables go on my boat? The boat has a [brand name] engine. There are several ways to determine this information by noting: appearance of the cable part number of the cable engine(s) and controls on which cable is used Take a look at the existing cable. Usually the part number is stamped in white on the existing cable's plastic outer casing. If you can not locate it or read the part number, check to see what brand of control and brand/year of engine is on the boat now. With this information, you can determine which cable you need from identification/application charts in this catalog. These charts will help you identify cables by appearance, part number, control type and engine brand/type. In most cases, Teleflex offers three performance grades, called Standard, Midrange and Premium. All three grades meet/exceed industry requirements. For maximum performance, we recommend our Premium TFXTREME cables. Once the part number of the replacement control cable(s) is(are) known, measure the one(s) you have now if at all possible. The most frequent reason for the return of a new cable is that the incorrect length was ordered. Can I use a dual function control in a dual station boat? No. It is not recommended. Use of dual function controls for twin stations can result in a binding problem and is a complex, difficult installation in the best circumstances. Instead, use one single function dual lever control per engine at each station. We have several from which to choose, but recommend the CH5600P, a state of the art mechanical control specifically designed to work smoothly in twin station boats. Single function controls for twin stations are set up with the cables "in series". This means that each cable is run from one lever of an upper station control to the corresponding lever of the lower station control. Another cable is then run from the lower station control to the engine. When the cables are properly connected, moving the levers at one station will move the levers at the other station in addition to actuating throttle and shift. Shift detents should be used in the lower station control(s) (closest to the engine) only. Do not install shift detents in the second station control. When mechanical controls are used in two stations, we always recommend TFXTREME cables, which are also specifically designed to work smoothly in twin station applications. When combined with CH5600 controls, these cables give you superior smoothness and response. Because of their unique construction, these cables have very little backlash, so a high-quality synchronization of the control head lever position and feel at each station (including shift detents) is possible. If a mechanical control system cannot deliver acceptable feel or response, upgrade to an electronic control system. Teleflex has several options, ranging from the relatively simple KE-4a system to the fully-featured i6000 family of controls. I want to add a station to my boat. What do I need to do? First determine the type of steering and control systems on your boat now. That will help you identify the options available to you. Measure the distance between stations and approximately how you would route the cables from one station to another. This will give you a starting point as to which components you may need and how long any cables might be. Generally speaking, if the run between stations is relatively short and uncomplicated, mechanical controls will do.(Please see previous FAQ for information about which kind of control is recommended and general installation parameters). If the run between stations is long or complex or there are more than two stations on the boat, mechanical controls are not recommended. Use an electronic control system instead. (Please see previous FAQ for options.) For twin-station steering there is only one mechanical option: Big-T. While this is an excellent system, it is old technology. SeaStar hydraulic steering is recommended, which offers superior steering and allows for connection of autopilots and numerous other system enhancements. When adding a station, a substantial amount of components will be required no matter which types of systems are selected. If the boat has mechanical steering and controls, this is a good time to consider upgrading to SeaStar hydraulic steering and the KE or i6000 family of electronic controls. My control used to work fine, but now one lever is hard to move. What should I do to fix this? First determine where the problem lies. There are three possible trouble areas: the control, the cable, and the throttle or transmission connection. By isolating these one at a time, you will find the problem. Engine(s) must be OFF when performing these checks: Disconnect the cable at the throttle or transmission attachment point. Move the throttle or transmission arm through its arc to be certain there is no restriction or binding. If the arm is stiff or binding, clean and lubricate moving parts. If this does not solve the problem, make the appropriate repairs. Generally, the force required to move a throttle or shift arm should be no more than 5-10 pounds. With the cable disconnected at the engine end, try to move the control lever. If it moves freely, the problem was the throttle/transmission arm. If the control handle is still hard to operate, disconnect the cable from the control. If the lever operates smoothly, the control cable needs replacement. If the lever is still hard to move, lubricate the lever pivot point in the control with penetrating oil and a light grease. If the problem is with a throttle lever, you may have a cable brake installed to limit cable feedback to the handle. If this is the case, loosen or remove the brake. If throttle lever creep back is a problem on the boat, you should consider installing a Teleflex CH5600 SLT control. This unit will stop cable creep without sacrificing a smooth feel. How do I know which control cable I need? In order to determine that, you need to know what brand(s) of engine and control head are on the boat. Mercury/Mariner/Force and OMC/Johnson/Evinrude engines usually require an OEM type cable when using those engine makers control heads. OEM type cables have special end fittings designed to connect to the control and engine with minimal hard ware. Generally, all other engines and controls use a universal 3300/33C type control cable. Universal cables have 10-32 threaded ends and often require extra hardware to connect to the engine and control. Contact the engine manufacturer if you need details on the hookup. Diesels and twin station vessels may use larger diameter (4300/43 or 6400/64 type) universal cables, 4300/43 type cables have 1/4-28 threaded ends and 6400/64 cables have 5/16-24 threaded ends. How do I know which control cable length I need? This depends on two things: A. Are you doing a first-time control cable installation? Outboards: Measure from control along un obstructed cable routing to center of outboard. Add two feet to allow for loop which provides unrestricted engine movement. Round up to next whole foot and order that length cable(s). Stern Drives and Inboards: Measure from control along unobstructed cable routing to shift and/or throttle connection. Round this dimension off to the next whole foot and order that length of cable. B. Are you replacing an existing cable? Measure the Existing Cable as Follows: Measure the cable from tip to tip in inches, and round up to next even foot. Order that length cable. What kind of ongoing maintenance do cables need? Can they be repaired? We suggest the following periodic maintenance be performed at least twice a season: Check overall operation for proper gear engagement, full and idle throttle, and overall feel. Visually inspect control head, cable as well as engine and transmission cable attachment points for proper tightness of fasteners, correct operation of all moving parts, worn or broken items, cable chafing or misalignment, etc. Do not lubricate core wire (moving wire inside the casing). If the cable operates stiffly, replace it. Keep cable ends dirt and corrosion free. Lubricate pivot points and sliding parts of the cable with a good quality water-resistant grease. When to Replace a Cable or Connection Hardware: Excessive free play felt at the control even after all cable connections have been verified as in good working order. Visual inspection shows chafing, breakage or bent, loose or worn parts. Never attempt to repair a cable. Always replace a malfunctioning cable. A cable cannot be properly repaired in the field and must always be replaced as an assembly. Attempting to repair a cable can resulting control system failure, leading to personal injury. #Control Cable #FAQ #Product Information
