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Throttle control cables

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Uk4life, Oct 19, 2015.

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  1. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    Has anyone replaced the throttle control cables on a 32' Mariner? Mine is a 1987 and I have never done anything like this before but have been told I could do it myself fairly easily......but I am a little skeptical.

    I need to replace the starboard engine cable. I called Carver and they gave me the estimated length I would need and said it is a universal type. My main concern is damaging the cable or something else while pulling it through from the helm to the engine compartment. Not sure what to use to connect the old cable to the new one and if there are any tricks to help avoid snagging something along the way.

    Any advice is greatly appreciated!
  2. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Electrical tape a flat wire a few inches up the old and new cables and put a little vaselne on the cables. If the cable is bundled with others break it free and rebundle it when the job is finished. Have a person at both ends so you can work it past any snags.
  3. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I prefer using duct tape to attach anything I need to pull, much stronger.

    It should be an easy job as long as the builder left enough space and access. If not, it cna turn into a time consuming frustrating experience.

    If the cables are originals, do your self a favor and replace all four (trannies and throttle). If one failed the others aren't far behind,They re cheap and it will pretty much be the same amount of work

    The most important critical thing is to make sure you tighten everything up, make use you use locknuts or safety wire to make sure they don't come loose. That usually happens at the worst time, when maneuvering in tight spaces!
  4. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    Thank you both for the advice.

    Pascal, I am going to change the one cable that is bad for now just so I can drive it over to the marina that will be hauling it out for the winter.......can't believe it is that time of year again!

    I do like the advice of changing all of the cables. I will make that a part of the winter projects for sure.

    Thanks again
  5. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Whenever I do a job I'm not familiar with I like to take plenty of pics before deconstucting. So easy today with the phones. Beats later trying to remember how things were put together by the guy who does it every day.

    P.S. I'd stick with electrical tape rather than duct tape. It's more flexible and makes a tighter and smoother run when it has to be pulled through tight spaces. The roll is also easier to deal with.
  6. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    I am a big fan of taking a lot of pics! I have been doing that now for several years on just about any job I do and it has saved me many times.
  7. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    To my pleasure and slight dismay, for a first timer this ended up going very quick and smooth. I ended up using a little duct tape to connect the two cables where they over lapped on the outer shells. Then, I used electrical tape to cover the threaded end of the new cable as to reduce snagging along the way. The wife and I had this job done in about 45 minutes!
  8. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Congratulations on a job completed successfully. Probably the hardest thing about new jobs is the fear of getting started an then not being able to complete it or screwing things up. Most jobs though are fairly easy if you just take your time and pa attention.
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Ya hire out?
  10. dsharp

    dsharp Senior Member

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    You can also use a 10-32 barrel nut and thread the old cable to the new cable and pull the new cable in with the old cable.
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    This is an excellent idea. I have witnessed it once long ago. Magic tool buried in some good boy scouts tool box.
    Unfortunately, when the courage is up to Get-Er-Done, there is never a barrel nut around,, but,, plenty of tape.
    Good thoughts dsharp.
  12. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    Of course! Travel and accommodations from warm and cheerful Cincinnati to Jax will be included, right?
  13. Uk4life

    Uk4life Member

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    I am going to replace the remaining cables this winter and that sounds like a perfect way to do this. Thanks for the advice!
  14. dsharp

    dsharp Senior Member

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    I stole mine from my Dad's desk drawer. He kept the varnish brushes, new putty knives and all the good boatyard stash in the office. It's also called a "coupling" nut. They work better if you file the hex shape to round to get through the wire ties.