Throttle Control Swap - Compatability?

[srr5008]

I am replacing a 1995 25hp mercury outboard with a 1998 50hp evinrude. I want to know if I can reuse my mercury throttle control cables? (I am trying to avoid removing my decking to swap controls). They have the same ends, and the length of my existing cables will work for the Evinrude.

The existing Mercury cables look like this:
http://www.iboats.com/images/teleflex/control_cables/large/type600a_cc635_ob_big.gif

The Evinrude cables look like this:
http://www.iboats.com/images/teleflex/control_cables/large/cc636_ob_big.gif


The only difference, and I am not sure if this can be fixed, is the plastic adjustment pieces that are located on the threaded portion of the cables. The mercury cables have a plastic cylinder, and the evinrude cables have a plastic wheel (that looks like a gear). Is there any way to get these cables apart to switch the adjustment pieces?

 

[Chinewalker]

Not without destroying the cable - the ends are riveted/crimped in place. Cables are replacement items so you should be able to install new ones without disassembling the boat. Easiest way to replace them is to tie or tape the new cables to the old ones and pull them through your hull, or, alternatively, tie a small diameter rope to the old cables when you pull them out and then tie the new cables to the rope and pull them back through.

 

[srr5008]

Thank you for the reply. My issue is that on my little bass tracker, the throttle cables and all of the wiring are routed through a short length of PVC pipe under the decking. And there is so much going though the PVC that I'll never be able to fish new cables through because it's too tight. But I'll make it work - thanks again for the reply.

 

[Chris1956]

I believe the controls themselves are different. Mercury pulls the throttle open, while Johnson pushes the throttle open. Also the "throw" lengths are likely different.