new 3200scr throttle cables, still stiff, turn too tight?

[geoffm70]

everything is great with my 92 3200scr, but the throttle controls are very stiff. I replaced the cables and it's worse than ever. Mechanic says it's because the turn from the gunnel to the control is too tight. Can't be right can he? I can't believe they would have this issue!

[mmwjr]

Yes he can be correct, to tight of a bend will cause binding in the cables.

[geoffm70]

so Maxum made these things with such a tight turn that the throttles won't work! Mechanic is talking about running cables outside of the gunnel!

[mmwjr]

I haven’t heard others with your model complain. Are you sure they can’t be ran with gentler bends?

[geoffm70]

we're trying. I am suspecting the old throttles themselves are the reason. the turn into the controls from the gunnel is very tight, but still can't believe it would be too tight.

[shrew]

IS there a chance that a previous owner either replace or had the cables replaced with cables that are too short? If you used the old cable, you would have suffered the same problem.

I'd first make sure it's not in the shifter and throttle levers themselves. Then look at whether lengthening the cables would help with the radius.

[geoffm70]

Thank you very much Shrew, excellent point! Will certainly double check that today. Would also explain why the controls were so bad to begin with.

[geoffm70]

Did some more digging and looks more like the old Quicksilver controls are the likely culprit of the very stiff and jerky controls. Length of cable is fine with a nice gentle curve to the engines, the turn from gunnel to controls is still tight, but likely not too tight (so says boat yard). So I got new controls coming: SeaStar CHX8242P Control Box TWIN Engine Shifter Mercruiser. Hopefully these are the answer. Going to need a new helm cover :0(

[geoffm70]

The turn wasn't too tight, just the 28 year old Commander 3000s were toast. Installed new cables and these SeaStar controls and the throttles are a smooth as butter!

[geoffm70]

had bought this cover before (Aug.'21), not knowing the controls broken/too stiff.