Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

[Intermediate Mariner]

Good Afternoon All,
Folks are probably still just getting back from the lake (wish I was) but figured I'd ask around...

Working on a 60ish red fish.

It originally had the older style 2-lever rounded control box hooked up to a 1958 Gale 35hp. I am replacing it with a square box running to a '62 Evinrude 40hp.

The old cables are the ones with the cable sliding into the plastic internal guide with the teeth... the new ones will slide into a straight guide WITHOUT the teeth. Can I just measure the old cables? Do I measure from tip to tip??

Thanks
Shawn T
Wichita, KS

 

[Jet Wrench]

I'm in the same "boat", no pun intended!...

I'm in the same "boat", no pun intended!...

I need a new Teleflex cable for my boat. Did some research and this is how you should measure. Measure the length of the plastic sheathing, add 18" and round "up" to the nearest foot. Example: The plastic sheathing measures 13', add 18'' (14' 6") round up to 15'. This will keep you from having too sharp of a bend radius on the cable. Good Luck!

Jet Wrench

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

Thanks Jet... oh shoot you measure the plastic sheathing?!?!

I wandered across this post:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=293195
thats talks about measuring "control to transom. then center of transom. plus 4 feet. round up to next foot. 10+ 2.5+ 4= 16.5 round up to 17 ft."... Another poster said to add more footage to make a generous loop back".

Were these posters also referring to plastic to plastic?

Your recommendation is measure the length of the plastic sheathing, add 18" and round "up" to the nearest foot".

I guess I will try both each way and see what I come up with.

No chance I could just measure old cables?

Thanks!!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

Most cables have the part numbers stamped on the sheathing within a couple of feet of the end(s). That will tell you the length.

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

I attached a clip of the boat with old cables... can I use the old cables with new box (also attached clip of new box)?

Thanks

 

[Jet Wrench]

If the cables are in decent shape, by all mean use them!

If the cables are in decent shape, by all mean use them!

I'm not sure what steering rack you have. Mine is a Teleflex Safe-T system. I'm refurbing a 66' Boston Whaler and installing a center console. When I bought the Johnson 70, the guy let me have all the controls with it. The cable I have is 13', not counting the push rod. I can't use it, I need a 17' cable fron the center console back using a CMC trim/tilt plate. A 13' cable new is around $80.00 to 100.00. If you can use a good 13' cable, I'll let you have this one for $25.00 plus shipping. It will help me offset the cost of the new one I need!

Jet Wrench

 

[ezeke]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

jay_merrill did several threads with pictures on the simplex controls:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=373948&highlight=simplex

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=374725&highlight=simplex

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=374911&highlight=simplex

 

[lindy46]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

I attached a clip of the boat with old cables... can I use the old cables with new box (also attached clip of new box)?

Thanks

Old cables should work fine with the new box. Just disconnect the set screws inside the box to release the ends of the cables, and put them into the new box. For that matter, the old box should work fine with the new motor.

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

zeke,
that link does not go anywhere..??..
Also my cable does not have anything stamped on it.. probably original, looked pretty old.
Teleflex sways to measure from tip to tip for replacements...
do you think i can measure old cables from old shifter for different shifter?

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

Re: Control Box replacement: Can I measure old cables??

Just wanted to share findings.
I spoke with teleflex and... yes... I can measure old cables - style of control box does not matter.