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Teleflex Control Cable Installation Tips

Technical Reference Manual

Shift and Throttle Control Cables

The control cable is a very important component in the control system. It is the vital link between the control head and the propulsion unit. Employing the best cable helps insure that your shift and throttle system operates smoothly and efficiently. The design, technology, and materials which are used in Teleflex Marine cables have literally set the standard for the entire marine industry.

Our control cables are environmentally tested for marine applications. They have stainless steel terminals and conduit fittings as well as stainless or nylon covered core wires with moisture protective seals for added corrosion protection and longer life. Their durable HDPE outer jackets resist abrasion and withstand the effects of UV, salt water, chemicals, gasoline, and oil. Each Teleflex Marine cable is lifetime lubricated at the factory.

Teleflex Marine pioneered the development of high efficiency control cables. Since not all cables utilize this technology there can be significant operating differences between Teleflex Marine cables and other brands.

How to Choose the Right 3300/33C Cable:

Teleflex Marine offers several models of universal 3300/33C type cables, each suited to certain operating conditions and installation parameters. Below are key variables that affect how cables perform:

Backlash: the lost motion between the amount of movement put in (input end of the cable) and the amount of movement which occurs at the output end of the cable. Some motion is generally lost in "take up" between the inner wire (core) of the cable and the outer casing (conduit). Backlash manifests itself as free play (slop) felt at the control handle.

Efficiency: the percentage of input force that is transmitted through the cable as output force. For example, if a 10-pound force was exerted on the cable at its input end and resulted in the cable exerting an 8-pound output force, the cable would be 80% efficient.

Breakaway: the "feel" of the cable when put into motion; the breakaway thresh old is the force that must be applied to the cable's input end before something happens at the output end. An example of excessive breakaway: a control that would have to be moved to half-throttle before the engine responded.

Cable Routing: the shorter and straighter the cable routing, the better the cable will perform. With increased length and bends, cable efficiency is reduced, while breakaway and backlash rise.

Environment: generally, the more rugged the cable construction, the longer the cable will last. In harsh environments such as heavy salt and UV exposure, control cables with thicker conduits and stainless steel fittings will generally outlast those with thinner conduits and brass or steel fittings.

Cable design, manufacturing tolerances, length and installation care are additional factors to consider.

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