26X Honda 50 Throttle/Shifter Problems

[wscottno]

The stock (I think) throttle shifter that our 2000X was equipped with has become exceedingly stiff. Is this a problem similar to the steering cable issue (discussed on another thread) where replacement is the better part of valor? Is there a way to troubleshoot the problem?

If replacement is in order, there seem to be a lot of folks who swear by the Ultraflex unit used with Volvo cables. One is shown in the Mods section. Opinions? Is this a project an amateur can undertake with a reasonable chance of success? If so, how do you size the cables? There seems to be a bit of debate about that.

Down here in the bayous, I haven't yet found a service facility that can wrap their heads around the Mac concept. The only and last Mac dealer died several years ago. Not sure why it matters what kind of boat the engine's attached to, but it sure confounds a lot of the "pros" I've talked to thus far.

Thanks for your help.

[Richard O'Brien]

The problem with the ultraflex is that it's made pretty lightweight. The M has a small binnacle. so the smaller than OEM "ultraflex" control works, but with that trade-off. If you have Honda controls, I'd keep them, and just clean and molygrease it. Maybe yor cables need replacing, and that's a cheaper fix. You could disconnect them on the engine side, and try to shift. If it's still stiff, disconnect the control side, and you should be able to push-pull it easily. If that's easy, then it's gotta be the control, or the engine itself. Let us know what you uncover?

[Rich Smith]

I have (had, hopefully) the exact same problem with my Honda 50. At the end of last season I had the mechanic look at it and he ended up replacing the cables...I'm not sure which ones he used but I know they were different than the originals... I tried the throttle at the shop and it is much easier to shift but I won't be able to try it for real until next season...

One thing the mechanic did say was to use one of those plastic ties to secure the cables so they don't get caught up in the steering linkage when the motor is up...Apparantly my cables were kinked right at the entrance into the motor itself.

Cheers,
Rich.

[wscottno]

This board is amazing! Thank you Rich and Richard. I'll advise as the search continues.

[Moe]

I have a cable lubricator for motorcycles. It consists of a large clear tube with a stopper with a split that is put over the cable housing and the clear tube slipped over the stopper and clamped to it with a worm-drive clamp. The clear tube is large enough diameter to accomodate the fitting on the end of the cable. The other end of the tube is clamped to a large hypodermic syringe that is filled with oil. Some bikers fill the clear tube with oil, clamp the other end of the tube to an air hose, then apply low-pressure air from a compressor. It takes some time, but it makes the oil migrate throughout the cable between it and the housing.

--
Moe

[Timm Miller]

Go to your Honda Dealer and get the OEM cables for your setup.....should be 14' in length. THe OEM cables are really Teleflex FXtreme cables which are really nice and smooth and can handle a 4" radius. Your dealer put those on and probably used what he could get away with.

[Timm Miller]

http://www.advancedmower.com/honda_outb ... cables.htm

[wscottno]

Thanks Moe and Timm. Hoping to get it checked out this weekend, if the weather's not too bad. It's supposed to be below 50. Really appreciate the help.

[Richard O'Brien]

Thanks Timm, I've been trying to find the source of those extreme cables since Duane mentioned them last week.

[Timm Miller]

Any Honda dealer who does Honda Marine has them...they are the factory OEM cables now.

[waltpm]

I had the same problem when I bought my used 97 x. Caused by the cables kinking right at the motor.when raising the motor, the cables would be bent by the steering bar.. Put in new cables and rerouted them and it's OK now. Although later models have a different layout, I saw a similar problem on a friends 02 x. Problem is unique to Honda because of the way the cable entrance sticks so far forward.