Stiff Honda twin controls

[snal]

Our 1994 twin controls are very stiff, so stiff that the wife can't operate them. They are fine once in gear (forward or reverse) but it takes a great deal of effort to shift into gear, especially reverse. Any ideas to make them move more smoothly?

[thataway]

You might take at look at the shifters and the area where the cables attatch to the controls inside of the engine cowling. You may be able to clean and grease them and get a bit smoother shifting.

Also double check to be sure that there is no "kink", sharp kinks or item on the cables.

However, there is a very good chance that there is signifficant amount of corrosion in the cable. There used to be some fittings which you could put on one end, and use a grease gun to push grease into the cables. I have not been able to find these recently.

Usually after 13 or so years, it will pay to replace the cables--not all that expensive and they will be good for another 13 years.....

[Wefings]

Use the Teleflex "Extreme" teflon lined cables . You will feel a difference over the old ones . They are substantially smoother .
Marc

[snal]

Ok...I took the shift cable loose at the engine, then tested the controls, still just as stiff, but this eliminated anything on the engine. Then I took the shift cable loose at the control box......WOW!...that cable has to be terribly corroded inside the sheathing! The controls were effortless compared to the way they were, the throttle cable was still hooked up too...but I might as well replace those cables too.
I can use the boat as is, so I'd rather not remove the cables right now....does anyone happen to know the length on a twin 45 setup?

[Sawdust]

Teleflex Extreme them. You will

Dusty

[snal]

The Extremes appear to be about double the cost, but I think it'll be worth it.
I measured back to the engine(s), added 4' for the loop, and came up with 18' and 20' (22 angler version).

[snal]

After isolating the problem (corroded cables) I went to my brand name marine catalog to order new cables. Then I compared those prices to online prices stated by a west coast CD dealer....WOW!...the CD dealer prices were almost half! So then I decided to call my nearest CD dealer, Mobile East. I was quoted an even lower price!....almost 1/3 what my major marine catalog price was! Carrie and I had talked a few years ago when I first became attracted to the C Dorys, I spoke with her again about test riding the 22 and 25 at the upcoming NC gathering, then we found our used 22 angler, and now I get a fantastic price on the needed cables and the same delightfull attitude from the folks at Mobile East Marine as when I was inquiring about an $85-90K boat purchase!
Looks like we may have our boat ready to float at the NC gathering!

[Doryman]

Went looking for answers to an extremely stiff starboard shifter problem on my '03 22 with twin Honda 40s. This (Teleflex cables) looks like the answer.

However, here is another, related question that I am hoping Marc or Matt can answer:

Long term plans for this boat include repowering with 50/60 hp Suzukis, for the EFI and more power, less weight. It occurred to me that I could make a step toward this repower by replacing the current extremely clunky (and awkwardly big) controls with the Teleflex KE-4 or similar, which I have on my Tom Cat and love. The question is, how much does the Teleflex install cost, and how much do the Suzuki controls cost? This is assuming the Teleflex could easily be changed over from Honda to Suzuki. One price I have seen for a single station, twin engine Teleflex install is $4340 (parts only), so I suspect I have my answer there, but would like confirmation!

Thanks,
Warren