MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

[valkyr]

Guys,

I'm starting a new thread on this as the other one became kind of messy (and I didn't get many helpful responses

Original Thread

This is what I have done:
1.) In process removal of old remote control assy (Believe is a Quicksilver Classic 3000?). Have to get one more cable removed (not sure if its the shift or throttle cable) as I haven't traced it back to the engine area yet.
2.) Ordered Teleflex CH1700 with Tilt & Trim, Kill switch - Found out the tilt button is the same as the "Trailer" button on my old Quicksilver

Plan:
1.) Finish removing old remote control assy
2.) Oil existing shift & throttle cables
3.) Follow Teleflex instruction manual for installing new throttle using existing cables (hopefully) - This controller specifically should fit old merc style cables
- Teleflex CH1700 User Manual
4.) Test using existing cables and if there is a problem, I'll order the Merc Gen II cables I guess?

Concerns:
1.) Cable adjustments after installation - I'm hoping by using the existing cables I won't have to adjust much as far as throttle or shifting. Is this a "fool's" hope?
2.) Wiring - The wiring could be interesting as this throttle has the kill switch with an interrupt that needs to be wired in.
3.) Replacing cables - If I have to do this, I'm not sure I'll be able to do the adjusting that is probably necessary.

Fall Back Plan:
1.) Partly install throttle assy and cables and tow it to mercruiser shop and let them finish hooking it up and maybe save some on labor costs.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Tips? Insights? Flames? Criticisms?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

Sounds like you have the right one.....
Couldn't you get a direct replacement?
Teleflex will have cables to, if needed....
​

 

[valkyr]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

Haut thanks for taking the time.

No direct replacement. I don't think the controller was the original but it was pretty close. My boat is an '88 Wellcraft so the controller was probably from early-mid 90's if it was replaced. If it wasn't actually replaced then the controller was from late 80s.

I talked to a tech at Mercury and here's his quote:
"Good Afternoon. You will need to go to a different style of remote control.
In 1988 we used a controller called a Commander 2000. The changes have gone through a 3000 series and is now a 4500 series controller. You will need to see your nearest dealer for the types of options available and please be reminded you will need new cables to go along with this new set up."

After calling an authorized merc repair place here in Nashville, I found out it would cost me upwards of $700-$800 to do the replacement (includes part, cables (Gen II), and labor (4-5 hrs @ $80/hr).

Teleflex will have cables to, if needed...

Know if those cables interface easily with the MCM 454 and the Bravo I drive? I don't but know this throttle assy works with merc cables so I'd probably buy merc cables because it might be easier to connect.

 

[valkyr]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

Update #1:

Retailer where I ordered the teleflex controller notified me this morning they don't have it in stock.

Iboats doesn't have the one with the Cutoff switch but they do have the one with tilt & trim.

Found the one I wanted on other sites for less, but delivery time was anywhere from 3-5 days even with overnight delivery. (3 days to actually get it ready for shipping? Whats up with that??)

So I ordered the one from Iboats with just the Trim & Tilt...would like to have the cutoff as I'm liable to fall out of my boat with my luck

Update #2
Got the old controller out of the Wellcraft. What a PITB!!! Had to drill out several screws because I couldn't get them loosened. Took the drivers seat and platform out so I had room to work. Unreal.

Hopefully Iboats can get me that controller delivered tomorrow so we'll see.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

I bought a CH1700 top of the line with all the switches included from Boatfix.com about 2 weeks ago.....I think it was about $215 + shipping.

http://www.boatfix.com/bykeywordnew2.asp?textfield=ch1700&texttype=2&submit=Go

I think I got it in about 5 days or so.

Update #1:

Retailer where I ordered the teleflex controller notified me this morning they don't have it in stock.

Iboats doesn't have the one with the Cutoff switch but they do have the one with tilt & trim.

Found the one I wanted on other sites for less, but delivery time was anywhere from 3-5 days even with overnight delivery. (3 days to actually get it ready for shipping? Whats up with that??)

So I ordered the one from Iboats with just the Trim & Tilt...would like to have the cutoff as I'm liable to fall out of my boat with my luck

Update #2
Got the old controller out of the Wellcraft. What a PITB!!! Had to drill out several screws because I couldn't get them loosened. Took the drivers seat and platform out so I had room to work. Unreal.

Hopefully Iboats can get me that controller delivered tomorrow so we'll see.

 

[valkyr]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

Getting mine today. Worth it in this case to get it in 1 day (I think)

 

[valkyr]

Re: MCM 454 Bravo I Remote Control Replacement New Thread

Update:

Got the Throttle installed and almost everything is working. Looks great and works great except for the TILT (i.e. trailer) button.

Either the trailer button is not raising the drive higher or the TRIM button is raising it as high as it will go?

I know TRIM is for the engine and TILT is for the drive. Here is whats happening.

TRIM up raises the engine/drive up until I hear it reach the upper limit (trim limiter? not sure what its called). Then I hit the TILT button and it won't go any higher. Get the same noise as the when the TRIM button is all the way up.

Could the TRIM be raising it too high? Or maybe the TILT/trailer button isn't able to bypass the limiter for some reason? There was a purple wire that I left unhooked as I couldn't find out what it was supposed to do. Called a merc tech and he said it wasn't used so I left it unhooked. The TILT/trailer button on my old controller worked fine so I know the mechanisms are in place to provide trailering functionality.

Suggestions?