Universal diesel won't stay at WOT

[Skipper]

Universal M18.
Engine off, move throttle lever to full, stays put no problem.
Engine running under way, move throttle to full, stays until I let go of it, then it pushes itself back to about 3/4.
It only started this recently.
I'm guessing it's an adjustment. There are several on the linkage and levers at the engine, but none look like what I would need to hinder the movement.
I have the Edson helm with the vertical throttle and separate shifter (pic).
Any info please.
Thank you

 

[njlarry]

Should be a saddle clamp somewhere on the cable near the engine. Try tightening that.

 

[weinie]

Put something like this on the throttle cable near the engine to increase the friction

 

[kloudie1]

Here is the Teleflex part: https://www.amazon.com/Teleflex-044386-Throttle-Cable-Brake/dp/B000N9VGAG
and the instructions: http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Cable-Brake-044386-Rev.1-055000-344.pdf
You may have one installed already and just need to tighten it a bit.. It might be anywhere in the cable run but many are put close to the engine.

 

[NYSail]

If it just started happening, your clamp loosened up. Check under the pedestal where the cables come out then follow towards the engine and you will find it.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Some of these 336 style peds from Edson have a tensioning bolt right under the compass. It just screws down on the shaft. Some do, some don't. You may get lucky..

 

[Benny17441]

Friction accompanies wear and it is likely that the amount of friction required has diminished over the years. A small clamp will allow adjustment to restore the necessary friction. Check the worn parts and the throttle cable .

 

[Richard Bryer]

It is interesting how the manufacturers put the saddle clamp near the engine, but the Seastars manual ( see the above link) says "choose an accessible spot near the control head" I moved mine from near the engine to right under the base of the pedestal where the cable turns to go up the pedestal stem- that was the nearest to the head that I could get to. Made a huge difference- when the clamp is a long ways from the head, and enough pressure is on the covering, when you move the lever, the cable bends instead of the cable moving.

 

[Skipper]

Thank you, all.
Fantastic.

 

[NYSail]

When I spoke with people at Edson regarding changing all cables they told me to put it under pedestal.

 

[centerline]

It is interesting how the manufacturers put the saddle clamp near the engine, but the Seastars manual ( see the above link) says "choose an accessible spot near the control head" I moved mine from near the engine to right under the base of the pedestal where the cable turns to go up the pedestal stem- that was the nearest to the head that I could get to. Made a huge difference- when the clamp is a long ways from the head, and enough pressure is on the covering, when you move the lever, the cable bends instead of the cable moving.

you are correct that the friction clamp SHOULD be at the lever end of the cable, as it will eliminate 90% of the drag/friction thru the entire length of the cable when adjusting the throttle position, and allow for a more precise adjustment without a lot of unnecessary slack at the lever....
when the cable is disconnected at the engine, the actual fuel lever on the engine should move very easy and with a light spring action that will return the lever to an idle in the event that the cable break... no unnecessary friction at the engine and the friction clamp at the lever end, makes for a smooth and even throttle control...

 

[Tally Ho]

Some of these 336 style peds from Edson have a tensioning bolt right under the compass. It just screws down on the shaft. Some do, some don't. You may get lucky..

I had this problem on my O'Day 322....removed the compass, and tightened the tension bolt that puts some friction on the throttle. Works like a champ now...and I don't need a bungee cord around the throttle to keep it in place!

Greg