Well this part has raised its ugly head once again. Mine finally has completely broken. First the tab that held the shift cable retainer broke necessitating desperate measures with a batten. Then when I took it off it fell apart into four large pieces right at each of the countersunk screw holes.The tension from the countersunk screws must have cracked it over the years. The pictures were taken after I painstakingly Super Glued the entire thing back together.
I know that the cast aluminum replacement part is no longer available because the foundry burned down including the mold in 2009. I've seen the fixes from back in 2008 with epoxy, but I think mine is now beyond that. I've talked to a machine shop here in town and they are looking into hogging a suitable part out of a piece of aluminum billet. I will know later this week what they think.
How many others are now on the verge of a complete failure of this control head? Lack of availability of this part could be a real show stopper I would imagine. I understand that the YS pedestal was used in a number of boats other than Hunters so presumably there are lots of you out there. Any other solutions been tried (or purchased)?
By the way, a number of times people have asked how to keep the throttle control from backing down. Have tightened the little clamp down next to the engine that crushes the cable casing to the internal cable. Also used bungee cords and tennis balls stuffed into the space between the handle and speed pod. Well, upon inspection there is a little hole in the top of the control head over the throttle lever shaft. Inside is a bronze screw with a plastic tip that pushes against that shaft. Turn the screw a little increases friction to keep the lever in place. It has only taken me 27 years to find that adjustment. Now you know.
Allan
I know that the cast aluminum replacement part is no longer available because the foundry burned down including the mold in 2009. I've seen the fixes from back in 2008 with epoxy, but I think mine is now beyond that. I've talked to a machine shop here in town and they are looking into hogging a suitable part out of a piece of aluminum billet. I will know later this week what they think.
How many others are now on the verge of a complete failure of this control head? Lack of availability of this part could be a real show stopper I would imagine. I understand that the YS pedestal was used in a number of boats other than Hunters so presumably there are lots of you out there. Any other solutions been tried (or purchased)?
By the way, a number of times people have asked how to keep the throttle control from backing down. Have tightened the little clamp down next to the engine that crushes the cable casing to the internal cable. Also used bungee cords and tennis balls stuffed into the space between the handle and speed pod. Well, upon inspection there is a little hole in the top of the control head over the throttle lever shaft. Inside is a bronze screw with a plastic tip that pushes against that shaft. Turn the screw a little increases friction to keep the lever in place. It has only taken me 27 years to find that adjustment. Now you know.
Allan
