Throttle Linkage Broken

[stevo_002]

Just a little drama the other night - docking in the dark in a strange harbor at Great Guana Cay in the Abacos when the throttle linkage broke on my sail boat. Forward and reverse fortunately still work but the engine is at idle speed so limited headway.

Boat: Beneteau 36CC 1999 Center Cockpit
Engine: Yanmar 3GM30F
Linkage: original it would seem - red sheath, appears to be solid rod
Action: solid rod inside sheath pushes the throttle forward to accelerate.

Question?

Anyone experienced such a failure and is it repairable?

Is my only option to wait on a replacement through Beneteau or is there a third party option?

What is the procedure to get a replacement to the Bahamas - Fedex? or is a freight forwarder needed ?

Any suggestions on a capable boat yard near Marsh Harbour that is worth contacting ??

I am hesitant to go too far without full engine control though I can up the idle to give me better speed I am reluctant to do so and have to change forward / reverse as it is a little rough on the transmission

Did I mention - I am single handed so it is a bit of a challenge to manipulate the throttle without an engine room helper

Any advice much appreciated

[Sailmonkey]

I’d be very surprised if you can’t find a 33c control cable locally.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tele...&client=safari

[RobTryon]

It is a simple Morse type cable. Teleflex is a popular replacement brand. This should be a strait forward repair.

[skipmac]

Depending on the cause of the failure it could be an extremely simple repair. The red sheathed cable attaches on one end to the throttle lever in the cockpit, the other end attaches to a little lever on the engine block.

First question, do you have separate throttle and shift levers or a combined unit? If throttle handle is separate does it move easily? If yes then a common failure is the bolt holding the throttle rod on one of the ends either the engine side or throttle handle side has come loose or fallen out.

The easiest place to start is look on the engine block to see if the rod is still attached to the little lever that is the actual throttle. If that is attached you have to look at the handle end to see if that is attached.

[Empty Pockets]

Marsh Harbor Boat Yard. 242-367-5205

[jimbunyard]

The actuating part of the cable is stranded inside.

If the cables are attached at each end to the pivoting part of the linkage, the next suspect is that a clamp that looks something like this



And is attached something like this,




has loosened and is not engaging in the groove that locks the cable jacket in place.


You could also have a 'quick release' cable holder that has opened and allowed the cable to come free. Put it back and zip-tie (or wire) that sucker shut...

[belizesailor]

If its a Teleflex style cable, those are very common and used on lots of different boats (including outboard driven skiffs). Pretty likely you can find a replacement in the Bahamas.

Detach the cable ends from controls and engine end. Give it a few push/pulls to confirm its broken or damaged (it should move easy and smooth, if broken it only works on a push). If so, remove cable and take it into a local marine shop to confirm length. You can usually work around one thats a bit too long just by rerouting it.

I had one break offshore once and jury rigged a control at the helm using zip ties and small rope...got us to port. 😆

[stevo_002]

Wonderful replies all - many thanks - i had visions of a long wait.

Original cable is a Morse D 32377-003 3.75m. Figure a 12 ft Teleflex may be the best option for a replacement.

Contacted Keith at Edwins Boat Yard on Man-o-War Cay - He may have time and parts; will follow up with Marsh Harbour Boatyard in the AM to see if they are an option also

i will check again both ends to be sure clamps are secure - Visually seemed to be OK on first inspection but I will make sure.

Cable attached at both ends securely to Control Handle mechanism and Motor Throttle linkage.

Handle in cockpit is combination throttle and direction - 2 cables attached - all seems in order.

I will update as the process continues - again many thanks to all


Steve

[Empty Pockets]

And National Marine in Marsh has a lot of Teleflex stuff.

[belizesailor]

Let us know how it goes.

[Joe Joyce]

Hello,

Cable sound like a 3300/33C cable these have 10-32 threaded ends. Typical cable used for both throttle control and trans shifting.

When ordering replacement one would need to have the length needed end to end of the original cable.

Kellogg Marine Supply I would think can provide a replacement or probably even West Marine. Either should know how to get it to you.

Go on and view the cable on Engine and Drive Parts | SeaStar Solutions

"Universal 3300/33C Control Cable"

Good Luck.

Joe Joyce

[stevo_002]

To follow up:

Replacement cable found at National Marine in Marsh Harbour.
They have quite an assortment of Seastar cables (née Teleflex which had evidently bought out Morse Cable)

Old cable had parted from the rod at one end and thus no longer functioned.
Replacement ends were 10/32 so a match for the original end fittings.
Metric length matched Imperial length closely so all was good.
Easy removal and install.
A little fiddling was needed to get the idle speed just right is all.

Underway tomorrow, Nassau bound for Christmas)
Many thanks all

[Empty Pockets]

And skip Nassau...

[stevo_002]

Don’t have much excitement for nassau but it is a convenient pickup point for a visitor from Europe. On to the Eleutheras asap

[Lepke]

Most diesels run with a governor. Small engines have that built in to the injector pump. In an emergency, a string, run thru pulleys will allow speed control and the return springs brings the lever back. Not ideal, but I've docked that way.