Burning through shift cables

[mcleaves]

Hey Guys,

Been doing more lurking than posting the past few months.

Here's the story. I am on my third shift cable (for a VP SX Duo) in three seasons, and the one I replaced last year had only a half dozen trips on it. These are Teleflex used on a single lever dual function control. The one that was on the boat when I bought it 5 years ago was a Teleflex and had lasted for many years. It was still functional but getting a little sticky so I figured why not replace it. Now these things seem to be part of annual maintenance!

Yes the drive shifts fine and with a replacement cable things are smooth as silk. By the end of the season they get stiff and after the winter layup they are junk. The last one I even greased the hell out of the wet end even though I was told it's not necessary..

Any suggestions? It's not the cost, or even the work (I can change one blindfolded now), but more the principle. These should not need this done each season.

-Mike

 

[Don S]

Re: Burning through shift cables

or even the work (I can change one blindfolded now),

LOL,, so now you can do shift cables like timing belts on the 125's

Do you have a real sharp bends in the cable, that will sure do it. Another problem I've run into that causes binding is having the cables wire tied or clamped together too close to the control. They have to have room to move and shouldn't be tied down with in 2 or 3 feet of the control.
Also make sure that when it goes all the way into gear (forward or reverse) that it's not trying to push farther than the shift mechanism on the drive will allow.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Burning through shift cables

Now why did I KNOW you were gonna bring that up .

I can't say I have any tighter bends than the original. It's the same length cable following the same path, but I certainly could go with a shorter cable and take more turns out, letting it run in a sweep across the waste and water tanks.

I am not sure how bound they are at the control I will have to check. i didn't add any zip ties, but I am wondering if there is anything tilting the cable at an odd angle.

Also your suggestion about trying to over drive the shift mechanism on the drive makes me wonder. Thanks for the tips.

I'm also gonna give a few fuel line clamps a tighten or two just in case it has something to do with it

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Burning through shift cables

Just an update. The wet end was full of corrosion and rust. I am gonna call Teleflex and see what is up with this. I still have last years also, same thing.

New cable installed and adjusted. I tried to go with a 12 footer instead of a 14 but it was too short.. I feel like this is am annual subscription service to Teleflex

 

[Don S]

Re: Burning through shift cables

The wet end was full of corrosion and rust

That shouldn't be happening in only 1 year. Seems odd. There isn't anything there that should rust. We used to use the Volvo cables up in KTN, and never had rust or corrosion on any of them, and they were all salt water boat.
I would be interested in hearing what Teleflex has to say.

PS: Volvo cables are made by Teleflex.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Burning through shift cables

I will keep you posted.. It's certainly odd. Much of it is white oxidation, but it won't clean up, nor do I tihnk it should be there up the SS rod into the brass sleeve. I was wondering if trailering and exposure to air was accelerating the issue, but there is also rust spots all voer the brass. That is just wrong IMO.

I'll try to grab a good photo. It was funny, when I tossed the cable to the side of the boat after I pulled it out (in disgust) I went around to clean gather it up and found the one from last fall sitting in the same spot!! I replaced it last fall when the rebuilt engine went back in

 

[Don S]

Re: Burning through shift cables

Uhhhhhh, look at the bright side, maybe Teleflex will give you a discount if you by them by the dozen

 

[no704]

Re: Burning through shift cables

Don't know if this is even possible with your set up. Have seen this on cars numerous times, If things are not grounded properly the cable will become the ground path causing all kinds of problems. Good luck.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Burning through shift cables

Smart ***** Sindlepecker