Morse Cables

Nasher · 12 August 2004, 21:48

Hi all

Does anyone know how genuine Morse control cables are marked for length?

My throttle is quite stiff after 3/4 throttle and experiance in the past tells me the control cable is on its way out. Control box and engine linkage are fine.

However as the old cable goes under the deck I can't measure it easily. I'm determined to get exactly the same length as all the curves sit perfectly.

Current cables are genuine Morse, and have 6750 Singapore stamped into the end. I'm presuming the 6750 is 6.75 meters, what do you guys think. Its looks about right.

I'm loathe to rip the old cable out to measure it as knowing my luck I'll have trouble finding a new one to fit, and be without a boat for a while. Also I want to pull the new one under the deck using the old one.

Nasher

Mark Halliday · 12 August 2004, 22:06

Nasher

Pull a line (mouse) thro' with the old cable, then you can either pull either the old or new cable back.
Make the mouse twice the length, with a loop in the middle, and you can leave it in the duct for future use.

codprawn · 12 August 2004, 22:10

There are cable oilers around which force oil right through the whole length - used quite a lot on classic cars etc - must help to prolong life

Matt · 12 August 2004, 22:23

The cables I've replaced all had the length printed on them somewhere.
And it doesn't always state the 'real' length, it depends on the brand what the stated length means (Well, fer steering anyway). Anyhoo, sods law it'll be just where you can't get to it to read it though.

Nasher · 12 August 2004, 22:27

Thanks guys.

I have a 'Mouse', as you put it, through the under deck trunking already, however I find with anything stiff like a control cable the ends tend to struggle round the 90 degree bend at the end. Its much smoother if the old and new are overlapped by about a foot and taped together. the mouse works great for general cabling etc, like when I fitted my VHF aerial.

Nasher

Andy · 12 August 2004, 22:29

The length is usually printed repeatedly at intervals down the outside of the cable.

You will be able to get new cables from Auto Marine, on Kings Rd Portsmouth. If they dont have them, they can get them quickly, but they usually have good stock of Morse. I would take the cables out and take them with you to Auto Marine. They will make sure you get the right replacements

Matt · 12 August 2004, 22:36

I used automarine too. Be careful not to get trapped by his mum & dad, they're getting on and aren't always to reliable at passing messages on. But I was impressed with his attention to detail on supplying me new bits. Wasn't just happy to sell me the new bits, but also was keen to work out why the old bits failed, that kind of stuff makes a difference to me.

Nasher · 12 August 2004, 22:36

Thanks Andy, hadn't thought of Auto Marine, usualy use those two well known shops in Fareham.

Nasher.

Wayne Rogers · 12 August 2004, 22:41

The easy way to get the exact length is to pass a length of inner throttle cable through to the stern with a piece of string tapped to the end, you can then put one end of the string at your control box and the other end at the throttle linkage at the outboard, cut the string and pull it back through and measure the length of the string,sorted.

Mark Halliday · 13 August 2004, 08:46

Nasher

If you already have a mouse, could you not mark it aginst the cable and then measure that?

Andy · 13 August 2004, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Thanks Andy, hadn't thought of Auto Marine, usualy use those two well known shops in Fareham.
Nasher.

I have used one of these shops, and asked for Morse, they gave me a compatible cable .... but the end fitting that locks into the helm was slightly different and so I had to take them back wasting a lot of time. I ended up back at AutoMarine. A small family business that seem to specialise in Morse cables ... and have good stock. I would not mess about with measuring etc. Take the hit for a few days, remove them and take them to the shop. Its the only way to ensure the length and fittings are the same for your helm. In the long run this will save you time I am sure. As I said earlier if they don't have the correct size they will get them in quickly.

Not sure you have replaced cables before. A tip is to tie a thin rope, wire or thick string to the helm end. Then pull the cable out. When you come to put the new one back tie the string on the new helm end again then use the rope to help you pull the new one back through. Does not always work, but has helped me on loads of occasions.