What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

[Bubbasboat]

My new to me 1977 70hp Evinrude came with what are supposed to be a good set of remote control cables. I'd like to know their condition prior to install as opposed to the dreaded LATER!!

What is the best way to test and service these prior to installation.

a couple photo's

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

You can check there is no play in them, so when you move the cable with the throttle the other end actually moves and is firm, ie it doesnt have play in it.
Mine all have a bit of play in them but its no big bother.

You can plug it in and test or the electronic functioning too before install

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Check it moves the shift cable forward and reverse and that moving the throttle moves the throttle one smoothly too

 

[yorab]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Electrical cables too? Check to be sure that there's no continuity between pins in the plug (no short circuiting). Also open up the remote control box in order to test for continuity from one end of a cable to the other (no breaks). While you're in there, have a general look-see at the condition of the moving parts as well as the electrical connections.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

I'd 1st check to see if they are the correct length. Too short = useless. Too long could cause binding if there are sharp bends. Too long or short it's just best to replace them.

 

[71Windsor]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

When I service mine id open it up clean up some of the old grease with a rag there shouldn't be alot in there to begin with but if its anything like mine was the grease had turned crusty so I removed as much as I could and applied new. I also check my wiring for corrosion and clean accordingly and like to put just a dab of protective di electric grease on the exposed parts be very cautious if you do this you want to be careful so that you dont create a short or bridge between to wires my key switch wiring is very close fit and just a hair apart as long as you pay attention you will be ok. I'm a stickler for protecting exposed wiring. Even the brush on liquid electrical tape works well. And is a safer alternative to most grease for this application. Lastly for the cables I use cable lube with the correct attachment that forces the lubrication through the cable. Ive had to replace a cable once from neglect of maintenance. I do this about every 4 years unless I fell it getting stiff on me. My environment is definitely harsh strictly salt usage and this northern salt content is rough.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Yes I'll do that.

You can check there is no play in them, so when you move the cable with the throttle the other end actually moves and is firm, ie it doesnt have play in it.
Mine all have a bit of play in them but its no big bother.

You can plug it in and test or the electronic functioning too before install

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Excellent advice, I'll definitely get out the multimeter!

Electrical cables too? Check to be sure that there's no continuity between pins in the plug (no short circuiting). Also open up the remote control box in order to test for continuity from one end of a cable to the other (no breaks). While you're in there, have a general look-see at the condition of the moving parts as well as the electrical connections.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

I will lay them out before install.

I'd 1st check to see if they are the correct length. Too short = useless. Too long could cause binding if there are sharp bends. Too long or short it's just best to replace them.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Regarding cable lubing and the correct attachment. I looked into attachments and find the ones that use aerosol tend to leak during usage. What do you consider the correct attachment to be? Would WD40 make a good cable lube?

When I service mine id open it up clean up some of the old grease with a rag there shouldn't be alot in there to begin with but if its anything like mine was the grease had turned crusty so I removed as much as I could and applied new. I also check my wiring for corrosion and clean accordingly and like to put just a dab of protective di electric grease on the exposed parts be very cautious if you do this you want to be careful so that you dont create a short or bridge between to wires my key switch wiring is very close fit and just a hair apart as long as you pay attention you will be ok. I'm a stickler for protecting exposed wiring. Even the brush on liquid electrical tape works well. And is a safer alternative to most grease for this application. Lastly for the cables I use cable lube with the correct attachment that forces the lubrication through the cable. Ive had to replace a cable once from neglect of maintenance. I do this about every 4 years unless I fell it getting stiff on me. My environment is definitely harsh strictly salt usage and this northern salt content is rough.

 

[71Windsor]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Wd 40 isn't exactly a lubricant its more of a penetrating oil. Its intent is to seep down into tight places not for longevity. I ordered a multi pack of cable connectors off eBay sometime ago and my choice of lubricate for cables is TriFlow I found it at my local hydraulic shop but its available in alot of repair stores as well.

Norton Triumph BSA Yamaha HD Cable Lube Injector Tool Free SHIP to USA STK125 | eBay

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Older cables, true condition unknown. So if I pushed some WD40 through the line first, followed by some true lubrication, This might work well. Did your connectors leak?

Wd 40 isn't exactly a lubricant its more of a penetrating oil. Its intent is to seep down into tight places not for longevity. I ordered a multi pack of cable connectors off eBay sometime ago and my choice of lubricate for cables is TriFlow I found it at my local hydraulic shop but its available in alot of repair stores as well.

Norton Triumph BSA Yamaha HD Cable Lube Injector Tool Free SHIP to USA STK125 | eBay

 

[kodibass]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

X-1 71windsor You are the first I have seen mention Tri-flow on iboats, The best marine tech I ever knew ( he passed away) gave me a can a cpl years back, Great stuff' I love it as a starting fluid for old 2 strokers it seems to have more "pop" than 50-1 mix, and it smells good

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

A starting fluid?? I'm looking for a lubricant for my cables. Can you clarify??

X-1 71windsor You are the first I have seen mention Tri-flow on iboats, The best marine tech I ever knew ( he passed away) gave me a can a cpl years back, Great stuff' I love it as a starting fluid for old 2 strokers it seems to have more "pop" than 50-1 mix, and it smells good

 

[gm280]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Bubbasboat, Not sure if you or others know it or not, but those same control cables do come apart for cleaning and lube. I have the exact same type control cables and I took mine apart. Then I can clean them and use whatever type lube/oil I want to rebuilt them again. Just wanted to let you know. The ends unscrew and then the inter cable wire can be pulled out and cleaned.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Would that be the threaded area as seen in photo I'm posting with this reply.

Bubbasboat, Not sure if you or others know it or not, but those same control cables do come apart for cleaning and lube. I have the exact same type control cables and I took mine apart. Then I can clean them and use whatever type lube/oil I want to rebuilt them again. Just wanted to let you know. The ends unscrew and then the inter cable wire can be pulled out and cleaned.

 

[gm280]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Would that be the threaded area as seen in photo I'm posting with this reply. View attachment 228968View attachment 228969

First of all that black plastic part at the very end that connects up to the controls threads off. And they still make replacements if you need new ones too. Then the adjusting knob (also still available too) looks like it can't be removed because the threads stop short of the end. Well that threaded section unthreads from the brass end on the cable. If you have a vice, clamp the cable in the vice and use a pliers to unthread the threaded section out from the cable end. Once that is removed the inter cable can be pulled out without any trouble. Then clean the inter-cable wire you pulled out and spray some cleaner in the cable outer shell to clean all the old junk free. Then re-lube with whatever you like and reverse the procedure and wha la, a completely smooth cable assembly again. Also they do still sell those complete cable assemblies as well, but if yours is just needed some cleaning, clean them up and happy boating... :thumb:

 

[71Windsor]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

Yes my connectors leak its not a perfect fit but it does the job I can get enough degreasing agent through it to break up some of the old lube I allow that to evaporate then follow it up with the new lubricant there is quiet a bit of waste trying to get the lube through the cable but id rather waste more then not get any thing in there at all.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Re: What is best way to service used remote cables prior to install?

OK, I mounted motor today!! Now it's time to work on the controls. I am going to attempt this procedure. Seems like when done you'd have "like new" cables. I have the plastic heads and adjustment knobs off the old cables that actually look better than the ones on the new controls. Should I recycle or just get new? I'm going to do this project Monday.

First of all that black plastic part at the very end that connects up to the controls threads off. And they still make replacements if you need new ones too. Then the adjusting knob (also still available too) looks like it can't be removed because the threads stop short of the end. Well that threaded section unthreads from the brass end on the cable. If you have a vice, clamp the cable in the vice and use a pliers to unthread the threaded section out from the cable end. Once that is removed the inter cable can be pulled out without any trouble. Then clean the inter-cable wire you pulled out and spray some cleaner in the cable outer shell to clean all the old junk free. Then re-lube with whatever you like and reverse the procedure and wha la, a completely smooth cable assembly again. Also they do still sell those complete cable assemblies as well, but if yours is just needed some cleaning, clean them up and happy boating... :thumb: