Levers stiff

[John]

The levers for both the forward/reverse and the throttle are becoming increasingly stiff on my boat. Does anybody have any thoughts on what might be the cause? Both levers are mounted on the binnacle, and the engine is a Universal M35B with about 800 hours on it, if that helps. Thanks.

 

[Davidasailor26]

We had this problem a few years back. Dirt and grime had built up in the holes in the binnacle that the shafts go through. I took the compass off the top of the binnacle and used some wd-40 to clean and lubricate the fittings. All was nice and smooth after that. Be cautious not to use wd-40 if there's plastics in the area though.

 

[Stu Jackson]

www.edsonmarine.com has a pretty good maintenance writeup for the binnacle. Could be the wires/cables, check the engine end, too.

 

[John]

Thanks, Stu. Question: I once started to remove the compass and it seemed the oil was going to run out. I looked at the Edsonmarine site you mention above but didn't see directions for removing the compass. Suggestions on where to find that, or any directions yourself?

 

[Stu Jackson]

My compass, like yours, is mounted inside the stainless steel circular housing below it. I just grab the ss housing and turn it counterclockwise and the whole thing comes off. Be careful about the wiring for the light. You may want to remove the black plastic on the fore end of the compass first (has two screws holding it down).