Shift Cable

[sbradbur]

These motors are bullet proof.

About 1 1/2 years ago my Catalina C27 sank at the dock in salt water. I got it floating within hours and after 9 oil changes, fresh water rinse and lots of WD40 almost everything is absolutely fine.

Almost.....The shift cable is frozen, won't budge.

Does anyone know the brand or any other information that will help me track down a new one?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sam

[David Masury]

Teleflex Morse.... I just replaced my shift cable after the original seized (35 years old)... Just take the old one out and bring it to your friendly marine store... they will need to know the length and the size of the threaded ends.. there are two or three different mounting combinations, but they are all available.

David

[sbradbur]

Thanks for the info David.

Sam

[jacques debauche]

Shift Cable

Make sure that you install an adequate cable. A previous owner of our Tartan 30 had installed a 3200 series cable - OK for gas or choke, but not up to moving the reversing gear. If you can manage to fit a 6400 series cable (5/16 -24 threaded ends) do so. Judging from the original mounting holes, that is what the Tartan started with. Be sure to get the proper brackets and clevis for both ends. Our local marine stores had a pitiful collection of cables (except for stinkpots) but on the web Jamestown Distributors have a good stock and delivered one to me in three days.

[David Masury]

Jacques offers a good suggestion... if you run into trouble finding a source for the yoke ends let me know... I have a resource that includes an online catalog etc...

David

[sbradbur]

Thanks Guys. Cable is on it's way. 5/16 - 24 is the threads that were on it, so I'm hoping I won't need anything other than the cable. Part number on the cable didn't match anything by Telflex, so I don't know who made it. Looks the same in the pictures. Keep fingers crossed.

[H3LlIoN]

Replacement Cost?

I don't see the need to start a new thread, since this one is already here. Our transmission cable is seized and, after a visit to West Marine, they are saying that the cable for our C-30 is $180, because it is special order. They mentioned that the torque loads required a heavy duty cable. The other transmission cables they had available were in the neighborhood of $60. She is 11 feet. Can anyone validate that the $180 is correct, or perhaps post a more reasonable source? Thanks,

H3

[Mo]

Can be had.

I got my shifter cable at a place call "drive line products". These guys make up cables for heavy equipment, loaders, generator sets, tractor trailers etc....cost was about $100 and they make it the size you want, stainless fittings etc.

Look in the yellow pages for truck and equipment section. Even if you call a service place they should be able to put you onto a place that makes them. Mine was made up as I waited....too easy.

[msmith10]

West is right. You need something stronger than the skinny little cables they sell for outboards and they won't be an in-store item. The right cable is about a half-inch in diameter. This subject has been addressed before and I know I posted the model number of the cable you need in a previous post. Do a search and you'll find it. Or have one made up as Mo suggested.
I found my old post and I'll copy it here:
I went through this 1 week ago (shift cable replacement). It's good to be proactive. I've owned the boat 9 years, and it always shifted hard, but since everybody says Atomic 4's shift hard, I didn't think much of it. Last week I went to turn my boat around in my slip to wash the inboard side before a race, I pulled the shift lever up to go in reverse, heard a "pop" and suddenly had no reverse, no neutral-- only forward. The shift cable was gone.
I got back to my dock without any damage to anything but my pride, but it was a real bear getting a replacement. I had to get it air-freighted in from Connecticut.
The contributor above is right- you want a Teleflex 6400 series cable. They come in 2 basic configurations: with a bulkhead mount on one end or with clamp configurations on both ends.
The number for this cable with 5/16-24 threads on the ends and the clamp on style at both ends is ccx64311. The 11 on the end specifies an 11 foot length. You can try Jamestown Distributors. They list a price of $188.53. You can also just google teleflex ccx64311 and there are lots of hits. If you need the bulkhead mount, go to teleflex website and look through the catalog for the model number.
After replacing my cable, I don't know why people think it's hard to shift anymore. I can now feel the detent in forward, have a generous neutral zone, and comfortable reverse

[Mo]

Check out a truck supplier....marine use didn't invent this stuff and heavy equipment outfits sell the same quality (for outdoor use on equipment) that push bigger levers than ours....bring the cable to them and it will cost half as much for a better job.

[domenic]

I don't see the need to start a new thread, since this one is already here. Our transmission cable is seized and, after a visit to West Marine, they are saying that the cable for our C-30 is $180, because it is special order. They mentioned that the torque loads required a heavy duty cable. The other transmission cables they had available were in the neighborhood of $60. She is 11 feet. Can anyone validate that the $180 is correct, or perhaps post a more reasonable source? Thanks,

H3

These stupid cables freeze up after a time. I took mine off, and found there is no known way to repair it. I did a search, and found there are three inside cores. The most inner is a teflon type material…no way to lubricate.
I found a source at eagle Marine in Martinez CA. 925-229.4881
The cost of a new cable is $150. (10 feet) Give them the number that is printed on your cable. Make sure it is heavy duty.
I hate the cable system. If I can figure out how to replace it with a metal tube, I will. I don’t like knowing the same thing will happen again in time.

[toddster]

I've bought a few teleflex-morse cables for various farm equipment. I get them from the local tractor dealer. They are never cheap.

[dew]

shifter cable

Hello has anyone purchased a shifter cable recently? I have 76 Catalina 30 with a tiller. I need to replace the shifter cable, reverse is the killer. I will pull the cable today. Anyone have a source for this cable?

After listening to my wife say should it really be this difficult shifting to reverse? I said yes that is what they say. After damaging the cable I made an adjustment of one notch in the transmission. Geez problem resolved but cable is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Thanks,
Dwight
76 Catalina 30
Hull 199
Cobb Island, MD

[ndutton]

6400 Series CC cable

https://www.wholesalemarine.com/teleflex-ccx643-control-cable-assembly-tfxtreme-6400-series/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu4_Lzv7i3QIVGP5kCh2O8gJfEAQYASABEgJkOPD_BwE

[CajunSpike]

Neil is totally right on the cable type.
Had to change my cable too.
Just need to know the length required. Bought it on amazon.

My symptoms were that ANY shift movement was extremely difficult.
Much better with new cable.

This pic is where there was the most bend in the cable. The sheathing opened up letting air/water into the cable rusting it.