New controls

[Dr. Hook]

I've got to replace my throttle control box (V20 with a mercruiser 5.7). Is this a very hard job and whats involved? I will be replacing the cables too.
Mechanic told me 4 hrs labor for him to do it, I was surprised it was that much.
I don't have the boat here right now to look at which is why I'm asking.

[Destroyer]

If it's a standard Mercury control box it's a fairly simple job. When I switched from Johnson to Mercury outboard it took all of about an hour. The rod box removed allows access to most of the cable so snaking it along the gunnel isn't to hard. Hardest part was determining how to put the control so it covered the old holes from the Johnson control.

What cables are you replacing? The shifter and throttle or the steering?

[Dr. Hook]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

If it's a standard Mercury control box it's a fairly simple job. When I switched from Johnson to Mercury outboard it took all of about an hour. The rod box removed allows access to most of the cable so snaking it along the gunnel isn't to hard. Hardest part was determining how to put the control so it covered the old holes from the Johnson control.

What cables are you replacing? The shifter and throttle or the steering?

That’s what I thought, about an hour or two. The mechanic mentioned something about cutting, I explained the rod box but I don’t think he understood. Fair enough that he quoted a bit high without seeing it first. I’m going to do it myself.

[phatdaddy]

I d suggest using a good quality cable. I be had good results with the mercury platinum, silver colored housing, i think. Spare or ferm can probably recommend a few.

[THEFERMANATOR]

I really liked morse cables that I put on my Honda, they were very smooth. Make sure and get the correct length cables, make sure they lay without binding or any sharp radiuses in them, you may have to loop them coming out of your binnacle depending on how yours is set up. Most of the time running the cables is the easy part, it's setting everything up that can he a PITFA! If you get all matching cables and controls, then it's not to bad to hook it up, adjust the throttle cable, adjust the shift cable, and reset the shift bracket throw(do not skip this step unless you like a stalling engine if you have an Alpha). But many people buy universal binnacles and cables that require adapters to use, and it can make the job a royal PITA! Spend a few extra dollars on good cables, an oem style binnacle, and make sure it all matches up, it will save you hours later in setup and install.

[Dr. Hook]

Thanks guys, that’s some great advice there. When you say the binnacle that’s the control box correct? I’m not familiar with all these terms. I plan on buying the genuine merc box (gen 2) and top quality cables, very worth it if it saves hours of aggravation!!

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by Dr. Hook

Thanks guys, that’s some great advice there. When you say the binnacle that’s the control box correct? I’m not familiar with all these terms. I plan on buying the genuine merc box (gen 2) and top quality cables, very worth it if it saves hours of aggravation!!

Yes, the binnacle is the control box with the lever(s). Universal cables are the worst and most aggrevating to work with. The important part is to get the shift cable adjusted properly. You have multiple adjustments for it. You shouldn't need to adjust the cable that runs from the bracketto the outdrive, but there is an adjustment on that bracket to change how much the main cable moves the lower cable(I call this the throw adjustment). You haveto make sure this one is dead on or else you WILL have problems. It's there to allow you to vary the movement of the lower cable to compensate for cable wear, stickiness, binnacle differences, and so on. If you have an alpha outdrive, misadjusting the throw can lead to alot of stalling problems as it will trip the shift interrupt switch when it shouldn't.

[Kracker Jack]

I have the teleflexTFXtreme cables and they are smooth as glass. And will adapt to a tighter radius if it’s needed