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Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4877

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I am restoring a couple motors; Mark 55 and a 58A.
I am having a hell of a time with the control cables. As with most of them, they have cracked and taped sections but no real kinks. They are 50+ years old and move like molasses.
Has anyone had any luck taking the cables out of the housing, cleaning, lubing and re-assembling them?
thanks for your time boys.
T

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4878

I remove the inner cable then put a good amount of WD40 into the housing, then re-install the cable, then remove the cable using a rag to clean the cable as it is removed. Do this several times until free moving.

There has been a couple times that I have not been able to re-insert the cable after removal, I am sure that the casing was cracked or something and the cable gets bound in it and will not allow it back in. So at your own risk!

Darrell

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4882

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the re-insertion part is my main worry. I guess it is worth it considering that they are just mush now.

thank you for your input.

T

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4887

take the end off and hook a drill to it and spin before and during the removal part before reinsertion round off the end and lube with 105 lightly while reinserting.

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4961

And,...I have a pretty decent selection of used & some new replacement control cables if the need arrises.
Thom

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4974

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I just purchased those 2 Mark 55's on the classifieds, no controls.
I am interested in parts and maybe a whole system.
lets talk.

T

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4976

Thom I have had some luck with a piece of hose clamped over the cable end, fill with penetrating oil and use my air compressor to force the oil inside the cables

good luck

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 2 months ago #4977

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great idea, would not have to take the cable out which could be a cluster...

thanks, see you Sunday.

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 1 month ago #5334

FYI - new cables are available and not terribly expensive. Remember, these, along with your steering cable, are your lifeline to your motor. If a cable breaks or sticks at speed, bad things can happen....
- Scott

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 1 month ago #5957

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I just purchase a set on EBay that were a dream, swear they came out of a boat that had been garaged for 40 years.

where can I get new/used cables boys?

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 1 month ago #6098

New cables as near as your local full service marina. Chances are, even if they're not a Merc dealer, they have access to the Teleflex catalog, which does include Mercury cables... Same cables are often used on MerCruiser stern drives, so they're available all over...

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 1 month ago #6100

Thom

the cables for the 2 lever controls, can be replaced with NEW OMC cables pre 1979
unscrew the OMC fittings and install your mercury ends
the brass mercury barrells need to be drilled and re tapped to 1/4-20 threads

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 14 years 1 month ago #6125

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thanks gents, I had no idea.

T

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Re:Sticky Control Cables 13 years 3 months ago #26920

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I just got around to tackling this task, seems I was a bit timid in the beginning as this project took me all of 45 minutes. I took Darrel's advice and took out the cable, sent a river of WD-40 down the housing and then reinserted the cable...repeat 3 times. it came out cleaner than a whistle and they move like a dream now.

thanks to Michael, Thom, Chinewalker and the other guys who gave the time and expertise.

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