Sticky control cables

[Halvern]

Moved my new to me S2 from Berkeley, CA to Oakley up on the Delta. When we started it took a good amount of pressure to move both throttle and gear selector levers. Couple days later I disconnected the cable from the throttle at the engine and it moved freely. Didn't try the shift cable though it did feel free at gear box.
I am making an assumption that it is either the levers at the pedestal or the red cables. I tried to lift off the compass, no luck. No screws on side or top (except two screws that hold on compass light). The compass is in a S/S cap on top of an edson pedestal. Question is, when I get the compass off, can I squirt WD-40 into the cable, or even a light airgun oil dripped into the cable? If not, then I guess I need to replace the cables. Is there a national source for these (whatever you call a red cable) cables? Look like what you see on a ten-speed. Hey, even at 75 I'm still learning. Thanks, Hal

 

[Jaxn]

control cables. likely 33c. The length of the existing cables should be printed on the sheath.

Check if there are tight bends when it is connected. That could make them difficult to push/pull.

 

[dlochner]

Check Edson's Product support page. They are pretty good about supplying manuals for older equipment.

At least on the two Edson pedestals I have had, there are 4 screws that secure the compass to the pedestal. Remove those screws and the compass should lift out. The upper section of the pedestal is secured by 4 sometimes difficult to remove bolts. Removing this will give good access to the shift and throttle controls.

The cables are standard cables, available in many places.

Product Tech Support - Manuals, Guides, and Maintenance Sheets

edsonmarine.com

 

[JoeWhite]

In my case , I only lubricated the shafts at the pedestal beneath the compass. Use bearing oil, not WD40.

 

[Halvern]

I went back over to boat last night, the Richie compass is in a S/S cap on top of pedestal. There aren't any screws holding it all onto the pedestal. I took off the two screws on top but the compass light comes off with no more screws under it. There is a secret, probably tap it three times with a petrified flamingo foot. Somewhere out there is a S2 11A owner that has it figured out, and will rent me their foot. Thanks Hal

 

[jssailem]

Here is the exploded elements of the Ritchie Compass. It may provide a clue into the access you need. If you know the part number of your binnacle you should be able to find where Edison hid the screws you seek from their support page.

https://www.ritchienavigation.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ritchinavigation-servicemanual.pdf

 

[captcoho]

Question is, when I get the compass off, can I squirt WD-40 into the cable, or even a light airgun oil dripped into the cable? If not, then I guess I need to replace the cables. Is there a national source for these (whatever you call a red cable) cables? Look like what you see on a ten-speed. Hey, even at 75 I'm still learning. Thanks, Hal
[/QUOTE]
Do not use WD-40!!! It will be good for a while and then be almost impossible to move. It is not a lubricant for that purpose and it will become sticky

 

[jssailem]

I have become a fan of Corrosion Block.
Produced by LEAR Chemical, a Canadian Company https://www.learchem.com
I use it on my boat where I want exposed metal to just work.
Exposed to weather, 24/7/365 master locks, it works like a miracle substance against corrosion.

I have used it on my Barient Winches and they remain smooth running.
Should work in your cables and not gum up like WD-40.

 

[Terry Cox]

Unsure of the Columbia, but Hunter used Teleflex brand control cables on most of their boat models. That would be my go to source for replacements.

 

[dlochner]

I went back over to boat last night, the Richie compass is in a S/S cap on top of pedestal. There aren't any screws holding it all onto the pedestal. I took off the two screws on top but the compass light comes off with no more screws under it. There is a secret, probably tap it three times with a petrified flamingo foot. Somewhere out there is a S2 11A owner that has it figured out, and will rent me their foot. Thanks Hal

Send us some good photos. It does come off.

 

[All U Get]

I went back over to boat last night, the Richie compass is in a S/S cap on top of pedestal. There aren't any screws holding it all onto the pedestal. I took off the two screws on top but the compass light comes off with no more screws under it. There is a secret, probably tap it three times with a petrified flamingo foot. Somewhere out there is a S2 11A owner that has it figured out, and will rent me their foot. Thanks Hal

If it’s like mine, gently pull on the stainless body so as not to pull the wires leading to the light. Those two screws hold it and the light in place.

 

[Halvern]

Eureka, take off the 2 screws holding the compass lite, wiggle lite and wires to the back and lift off the S/S cover, taadaa. Took couple of cell pictures, memory is not what it used to be. Removed compass and gear. Disconnected the throttle and shift cables. Removed the ring (Edson C-185) with the two control handles. Both handles were basically frozen. Dripped air gun oil onto the throttle shaft and with a lot of force was able to move the lever a small squeak. Called Edson customer support, and young man was trying to convince me to purchase a new ring with levers for "around $400" plus both cables are way past life. The bearings on the wheel shaft (turns freely) are probably way long gone and if you change those you should also change the steering chain and sprocket. Whew! Stopped at the Harbor office, referred me to machine shop. mike said he could press levers out and may need to replace nylon bushings. Ordered those now wait and see.
Curious: with Edson steering system, What is the time frame when one should plan on a rebuild (bearings, chain, sprocket, cables, etc.)?

 

[dlochner]

Depends on where and how often the boat is used. Basic maintenance inspecting the cables and idler wheels every few years with light use, more often with heavy use. Opening up the pedestal and lubing the axle and bearings the same. Even if there is nothing wrong with the pedestal, opening it keeps the corrosion at bay and makes it easy to remove the bolts on the day you need to.

It is easy to make your own cables and to replace the brake lining. For about the cost of one cable you can buy everything you need and the swaging tool. The brake lining can be removed and replaced with new lining for next to nothing. It is a little tricky clamping it for the glue to set, but very doable.