Changing control cables on a 92 Explorer - any special helm access needed?

[nerd]

Had an interesting launch the other day where my throttle went from being sticky to being out of commission. I had thought the control cables might be due for a change, but that trip confirmed it. Luckily, I managed to hobble back to the dock and get back to home base no worse for the wear.

I tried tracking down a marine mechanic but no such animal exists out here until at least after July 4th, so I'm going to attempt a DIY. It didn't start great - the throttle remote for my Yamaha (704 binnacle) had screws completely seized in it, so after trying everything I could think of (penetrating oil, heat gun, screw extractors), the good ole drill was broken out, the screws drilled and the binnacle freed. So tack on a new 704 to the repair charge.

I'm about to start swapping out the control cables. No problem freeing on the outboard end, and I'm going to hit up all the cable locations I can reach to make sure they're not zip tied down (the previous owner of my boat owns the record for most holes drilled and most zip ties used). I have never had to free up anything near the helm, and I'm not even sure if there are access ports near it (I see some trim on the floor that's screwed in, not sure if that's just cosmetic or if it has an access port under it). I could pull the switch mounting plate if needed, but would rather not have to pull on wiring if it's unnecessary. It seems to me like I should be able to route the control cables just by going under the steering wheel, but figured I'd ask if anyone's done the same and knows better.

 

[seasick]

Best bet is to use the same routing as the original install. Take a picture or two under the helm to help with your memory. Same goes for 704. There are different installation steps depending on application. Follow the instructions or copy the old setup especially with respect to which hole and lever the cable ends go into.

 

[nerd]

Best bet is to use the same routing as the original install. Take a picture or two under the helm to help with your memory. Same goes for 704. There are different installation steps depending on application. Follow the instructions or copy the old setup especially with respect to which hole and lever the cable ends go into.

Thanks seasick - that's my objective here, just not entirely sure where I should be looking to make sure I replicate the original install as closely as possible. I'm also guestimating here - I asked Grady for the control cable length and bought two cables, but could easily end up having to return them for a different length because my boat was repowered.

I'm going to be taking a boatload of pictures as I go along because my memory ain't what it used to be and I'm already off to an inauspicious start. I reached the point with that binnacle where I was going to take it off with an axe if the drill didn't do the trick.

 

[blindmullet]

Under the wheel/dash you can remove a couple panels and see where all the rigging comes up. It should be an easy run with a fish tape.

 

[nerd]

Under the wheel/dash you can remove a couple panels and see where all the rigging comes up. It should be an easy run with a fish tape.

I see a couple of panels under there that have screws, I figured at first it was just decorative trim over untreated plywood, but maybe they're chases to allow the routing of cables. I guess I'll find out!

Good call on the fish tape. I had been trying to track down a 10-32 coupling nut to no avail, and was just going to duct tape the old to the new control cable, but I'm thinking the fish tape is a better call since it's smaller in diameter, I can pull out the old one and pull back a new one in it's place, hopefully even in tight spots.

 

[blindmullet]

Yep, under the trim you gain access to the screws that hold that chase together. It's easier than working through a pie plate in the cabin.

 

[seasick]

If it's not too late, tie a drag line (small diam rope) to the old cable when you pull it out. The rope will follow the path of the old cable. Then use the rope to pull the new cable(s)

While you are in there, pull a second rope to leave in the rigging tube for the future. If you need to pull a cable for maybe a new transducer or whatever, you will thank yourself for leaving that rope in there.