Control Cable cleanup

[dmksails]

I'm doing a major cleanup of the way my hoses and wiring are routed and secured. Right now a lot of it is just dangling and I even have a hose routed thru the center of my steering quadrant. A lot of work ahead...

Which brings me to the control cables. The engine power and shift are separate levers mounted on my steering pedestal. The two pics show the control cables as the red cables - one has a large vertical loop - this controls the power. The other is has a large loop sitting on top of the engine - this on controls the gearbox.


This looks pretty sloppy to me and the fact that they are just bouncing around makes me nervous. Would I benefit by replacing these cables with shorter versions, or will it be adequate to simple secure them properly?

[Allied39]

They look like they are way longer than required unless they need those loops to ensure that they line up well with the levers they actuate. If you can replace them with shorter cables which line up well with the levers and have no tight bends then that would be the better way to go by far.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by dmksails

I'm doing a major cleanup of the way my hoses and wiring are routed and secured. Right now a lot of it is just dangling and I even have a hose routed thru the center of my steering quadrant. A lot of work ahead...

Which brings me to the control cables. The engine power and shift are separate levers mounted on my steering pedestal. The two pics show the control cables as the red cables - one has a large vertical loop - this controls the power. The other is has a large loop sitting on top of the engine - this on controls the gearbox.


This looks pretty sloppy to me and the fact that they are just bouncing around makes me nervous. Would I benefit by replacing these cables with shorter versions, or will it be adequate to simple secure them properly?

Another "marine professional" install I see. Shorter provided that they align correctly is the way I would go. ( Or should I say did go, been there done that )

[ggray]

Probably used what was in the stockroom.

I once replaced shorter cables that were run straight with much longer ones that were looped, but that was on a pivoting, lifting outboard motor, and the installation benefited from the change. But you don't have that kind of installation.

[fritzdfk]

I replaced all mine. Inside and outside stations so 4 total. This place will provide exactly what you need. It takes some time to measure and get everything right. https://www.cccables.com/Cables/PushPull/4SeriesPP.aspx