need tips for replacing trim indicator cables
 

I need to replace the trim and k-plane indicator cables on my '97 T.Gun. It seems like it might be an easy project but I know how seemingly easy projects have a way of going bad quickly. I could use any tips you guys could give me.
Will I have to remove any upoulstry or side panels or can I just pull the cable out?
Should I pull them out from the front or the back? I assume I should connect a tag line to each cable before I pull them out to make re insatallion easier???
What is the best replacement cable to buy?

I would be very grateful for any info available.
Thanks- MJB

The best cables out there are Teleflex TFXtreme cables. They have very little free play and are smooth as silk. I get mine at www.boatfix.com lower than anywhere else. If you can get a threaded coupler and join the 2 cables together, then one will pull the other through. You can also tape them together and do the same thing.

thanks insptech- that sounds like a good idea...except I think i need to pull the old cables out first so I can measure them to order the correct length replacements. I'm guessing that this is the only way to get the exact/correct length?? Or can I simply order new cables for my boat that will be the right length?
I Would love to hear from some folks who have had this same situation.

If you look at either end of the cables you currently have their should be a number on the cable that tells the lenght. Each cable may be different lenghts. Good Luck

Thanks to BillR, all cable lengths for a Top Gun.

Cable lengths:
Trim Tab:
P-26
S-21

OutDrive:
P-25
S-24

Throttles:
P-24
S-22

Shift:
P-24
S-22

Might be good to jot these down for future reference.

The cable length will be printed on the ends either in inches or feet, just to verify Kurt's numbers.

If you pull out the old cables to measure them, be sure to pull in a piece of nylon cord to be used later to pull in the new cables.

When you get into the indicator end be sure you to lay down some towells. They are spring loaded and have potential to be a major PIA to re-install. They disappear real quick !

Thanks for all of the good advice guys- MJB

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...+%284+CABLE%29

Item 22 buy a few you will prob need them or you can come to my house and try to find a couple of mine to use They have fallen into a black hole behind a Bullets dash LOL