Shifter getting stiff

**ndutton** · 10-31-2016, 09:05 AM

Originally posted by alcodiesel View Post

I am always looking for an easy fix- like oil something and poof it moves easily. Comments?

Start shopping for a new 64C cable. I'm 99% sure that's where you're headed.

**Marian Claire** · 10-31-2016, 09:35 AM

I experienced similar symptoms shortly after I bought the MC. The ends of the cable looked fine and the mounting brackets held well. It turned out that back in a "hidden" area the cable housing was slowly breaking down. When I removed it I found that the outer casing had failed and some of the wire strands were broken.
Dan S/V Marian Claire

**alcodiesel** · 10-31-2016, 09:58 PM

Tranny: fine, Binnacle: fine. It's the cable. Ndutton, you are correct.

I'd like to get a new cable and install it rather than take the old one out, order, wait and install- It's just that I sail nearly every other day. Such lovely fall weather, and solid wind.

What does 64C signify? Please edify me on cables.

**ndutton** · 10-31-2016, 10:11 PM

64C is the old Morse designation for the heavy duty cable our manual gears require. You'll likely find what you need in Teleflex these days, their 6400 series. Typical cable ends are clamp type at both ends so you'll look for a Teleflex 6400CC x length in feet.

https://www.pyacht.com/Morse-Cable-Selection.pdf

edit:
Considering the work involved installing in the pedestal engine control I'd replace the throttle cable at the same time (Morse 33C or Teleflex 3300CC).

**alcodiesel** · 11-01-2016, 12:10 AM

Thank you. I got it. Am looking forward to shifting without brute strength!

**ndutton** · 11-01-2016, 12:19 AM

Don't know if you've done this before but the trick is to attach both cables to the pedestal clamp outside the pedestal, slide the assembly into the pedestal and secure the clamp, attach the cables to the control head arms and attach the engine end last. Assumes you have an Edson pedestal and engine control.

**alcodiesel** · 11-01-2016, 09:54 AM

Thank you. As a rule every component on this boat was made by a defunct business.
It a Yacht Specialties pedestal.

I have found a pictorial step by step disassembly link by Christian Williams.
"...attach to engine end last." holds true.

Ahhh, the internet. What a boon to hobbiests, etc!

**ndutton** · 11-01-2016, 10:07 AM

Yep, I looked at his synopsis. I remember it well, have done a lot of Yacht Specialties pedestals. They were the preferred supplier to the Southern California boatbuilders as they were local.

When the industry faded away it took many of the supporting businesses with it.

You can see why I recommended replacement of the throttle cable as long as you're that deep into it.

**alcodiesel** · 11-02-2016, 09:22 AM

Thank you, Neil. I as-carefully-as-I-could measured the length, 3x, and ordered a new one. It is 10 feet long.

A 10 foot 64C translated in West Marine talk as CCX64310.

I really didn't want to pull the old one till I am ready to install the new one, so we can still get out and in the slip and sail. When my boat is down, and can't sail, I feel like something big is missing from my life.

It's still shiftable, albeit slowly with a lot of force.

**alcodiesel** · 11-06-2016, 08:09 PM

Got the new cable yesterday from Amazon. Took 2 days whereas West said 2-3 weeks. Same price as West, though.

I went from, "I can't do this," to "Oh yes I can," after steep learning curve on the internets and here at Moyer. Thank you.

I will install this week. Any last thoughts, Neil?

**ndutton** · 11-06-2016, 08:12 PM

Originally posted by alcodiesel View Post

I will install this week. Any last thoughts, Neil?

Nope, have at it. Please report back with your success story.

**alcodiesel** · 11-08-2016, 08:42 AM

Success! Mostly easy. Maybe a 2 hr. job all the way through clean up. Shifts very smooth and easy. Neutral is easy to find. By the way an E27 takes a 10 foot cable. Thanks for the inspiration.

**ndutton** · 11-08-2016, 09:19 AM

Good repair Bill. Keep the water out of it and she'll last a long time.