throttle cable replacement or fix

R

rubyray

Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2006
RO Number
23774
Messages
246
i purchased a 97 3488 bayliner
the upper helm throddle cables twin 454's

are very stiff to increase or push forward
but not when returning to idle

who in sacramento works on these?
bill
 
Any certified Merc mechanic should be capable of doing this.

I had mine replaced 5 yrs ago and they still aren't adjusted correctly. Sure makes it challenging for slow boat maneuvering. Mine also like to stay reversing when I go from reverse to neutral. I have to put it slightly forward and then back to stop reverse. I've had it adjusted three times, but none fixed the problem. Oh well, life goes on.......
 
Liz said -- Oh, well life goes on... --- That is true but but sticky throttle, shifting or steering increase the risk of boating. I consider them primary safety devices and should be functioning properly. Please --- get yours adjusted pronto. before something ja,s when you;re up the creek in that mudhole slough you posted about. --- Warren
 
Warren, I am not ignoring the problem. I'm just not finding anyone who knows how to adjust it correctly! I've had it adjusted three times with no improvement. Fortunately, I'd had no close calls caused by it. It is primarily a problem for me when docking or pulling into my slip. Of course at those times I am going as slow as conditions will allow. The main problem is that sometimes I have to go around and start the docking maneuver over again. And I am keeningly aware of the issues it causes and have adjusted accordingly. Ahh, a boat: how wonderful! how frustrating! LOL
 
Bill,
Not trying to second guess you here, but before I'd yell for help I'd try and lubricate every single moving part of the upper cable system.
I had a similar problem awhile back and thought I'd have to replace a steering cable. I was told to get a can of White Lube and use it. Darned if it cured the problem.

Mike
 
Liz,
If I ever get up there and it still needs fixin', I'll take everything apart, grease/lube and clean it.

Whacha got? single with single helm? or...
 
out of the box Merc from 1991. It is a side mount single Quicksilver Commander. I have the manual with the breakdown & ID of parts. Single I/O is an Alpha Gen II on a Merc 4.3L.

I suspect the problem has more to do with adjustment then grease/clean because it began right after the replacement cable was installed. I could barely get it into forward using two hands. The first adjustment improved that, but it has never worked completely to my satisfaction or how it did originally.
 
If it took two hands just after installation, and has gotten "better" but never "right", I'd suspect that it was kinked during the installation and that you're still fighting some kind of bend or crimp in the cable. You may have adjusted the cable so that neutral and reverse don't align the bend in the inner cable with the bend in the sheath, but when you go forward you have to push the bend past the sticky point.

Recommend checking the entire length of the cable run for any sharp bends. If you've got one, replace the cable (again.)

BTG
 
Thanks BTG. Just to clarify, I didn't do anything with the cable. The dealer's boat mechanic came out to replace the cable. Then he came out two more times to adjust it. I'll talk to the dealer to see if he'll have it replaced again and I just pay for the parts. This has been going on for 3-4 yrs now.....
 
First you'll have to determine if the throttle or shift cable or mechanism is at fault. Absolutely have to check cable routing...single most likely cause because problem from the start.
 
thanks guys! As usual, you all ROCK. I'll let you know what happens next.......
 
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