Installing New Engine Control Cables in Pedestal

[Frank Hand]

I am attempting to replace the throttle and gear control cables on my '88 Hunter 30. OK at the engine end but the pedestal end presents a problem that I would like advise on how best to approach. The 2 existing cables are routed down at the pedestals lower end between the inside wall of the pedestal tube and a internal collar over which the pedestal appears to sit. By taking off the compass housing and the nut on the bolt that holds the inside clamp (that secures the top of the 2 cables) I planned to push the cables and their clamp end up to the top of the pedestal where I hopefully can unclamp them and clamp the new cables in? The problem is the cables are tightly wedged through the space at the bottom of the pedestal and cannot be easily (if at all) pushed up the pedestal. Likewise pushing up the new cables appears problematic. Does one need to completly or partly take apart the pedestal/steering chain etc to complete this task and if so what does that involve; or,is there a more simple way?! All know-how replies and advise much appreciated. Frank Hand

 

[Frank Walker]

Bite the Bullet

Frank, I have a 88 30 and the only way I do much work inside that pedestal is to unbolt it from the floor and lean it over(after removing the wheel and slacking the cables). That sleeve that you see at the bottom is a short length of aluminum tubing to keep the cables away from the wire rope. I do not think you could snake new cables through the unit without removing that sleeve.

 

[Terry]

Hi Frank, you should be able to replace both...

cables without disconnecting any part of the steering system or removing the Edson pedestal. The retainer sleeve at the bottom of the pedestal is a slide in fit and is used to keep the electrical wiring and shifter and throttle cables against the tube side and away from the steering system. You should be able to wiggle the sleeve loose and drop it down from inside the tube before attempting to pull the old engine control cables out and the new ones in. At least that is how I was able to do this on our 1989 H28 and 1991 P42.Terry

 

[Steve Dion]

Merriman or Edson Pedestal?

Frank:Which pedestal do you have? Edson or a Merriman. The Merriman has a clamp inside the housing that holds the cable housing in place. If this is the type of unit you have, you should be able to loosen the screw and it will release the cable housings. Just remember that the cables need to go back into the clamp once you install the new ones.If you have an Edson unit, I have NO IDEAS.

 

[Frank Hand]

Edson

Steeve, it is an Edson. It has a sleeve down inside at the bottom and the cables pass beween it and the pedestal wall to keep them clear of the steering cable. As per Frank Walkers advice I will have to slacken off the steering chain, unscrew the pedestel hex heads and tilt it so I am able to pull out the old cables and install the new. I do not think Terry's suggestion will not work on the Edson I have as one cannot losen the sleeve from below as there is a bottom plate in the pedestal. Thanks to you all for your help. Am of now to "bite the bullet"! Frank

 

[Harold Robbins]

HELP!

Just as we pulled into our slip yesterday, the shift cable broke on our '89 Hunter 28. I only had time to look under the compass, but it seems it broke off where it is attached to the lever. This is the second time in less than a year that this has happened. I noticed many electronic cablets just slack in the pedistal and was surprised that none of these got caught in the steering chain. Any ideas why 2 would break in less than a year?