Electronic Throttle Conversion

[DGR]

Just getting the RIB ready for the season - and I've developed a very stiff/sticky throttle - suspect that the cable might be knackered...

If I've got to change out the cables - I was wondering whether anyone's converted a diesel inboard to electronic control? Any suggestions or advice?

[AMac]

All I need to say is volvo penta!

[DGR]

Do they do 3rd party kit? Otherwise it's a Yanmar 6LP-STZP...on a Bravo2X...

[paulbrown22]

Why would you want to convert to an electronic throttle?! For me a major plus point of the 6LP is that it is mainly mechanical, and has very little electrickery to go wrong. My uncle's ECU-controlled Volvo Penta on the other hand regularly seems to upset itself and require plugging in to diagnostic computers. Clearly that's not a representative view, but I don't see the point in introducing electronic complications into a 6LP setup that can surely only be less reliable than a traditional throttle cable!

Assuming the current cable has done a good life, it's a fairly easy/cheap job to replace, and that will presumably give you another reliable 5+ years of service.

[DGR]

A very good point - just not looking forward to rerouting the cable... and seduced by the e-throttle on a boat handling course I've done recently...

[paulbrown22]

I agree - the clever electronic throttles that are closely integrated with the modern engines, especially twin installations, are indeed very neat and give some interesting capabilities. But converting a single 6LP to an aftermarket electronic throttle (if such a thing is available) will only give a slightly lighter hand control, with the downside being what I'd consider a far more complex and less reliable setup?

What's the routing for your throttle cable like? With the large diameter underdeck cable trunking on my Ribtec, if/when I have to replace the throttle/gear cables, I'd expect it to be a simple job of taping the old & new cables together and they'll pull straight through.

[beamishken]

electric throttles are usual achieved by situating the throttle potentiometer from an ecu controlled engine in the helm unit.

As the 6lp thankfully has no electronics fitted you will have to make do with a good old reliable cable

I dread the day I have to update my boat as yanmar were the last to supply mechanic friendly electronic free engines unfortunately they have had to join the electronic age now with their latest engines

[Daniel]

Morse and I think ZF both make conversion systems, very popular with fly bridge cruisers as it's a nice solution to dual stations controls. The electronic shift actuates a morse cable in the engine bay that opens throttle / selects gear. You don't want to know the price, 4 digits to start....

The RNLI use this system I understand, on the big boats.

No way would I consider this on a rib.

[hadd]

Originally Posted by DGR

A very good point - just not looking forward to rerouting the cable... and seduced by the e-throttle on a boat handling course I've done recently...

My throttle cable got a bit sticky just before end of last season & jammed up while out on the water I took them apart & poured some oil down them they work fine now might save you a few quid & time

[DGR]

Thanks for all the comments - will try getting oil down them first!!

D...