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

"major PIA" is and understatement. anyone have any "tricks" for doing this. Went to put mine together last night and said heck with it. I was too uptight from a rough day at work to mess with it. All the indicators want to lean in different directions....kinda like employees :rolleyes:

If I remember correctly I installed the pins last pushed them into holder and rotated in place and they were held captive

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_Pictures3.asp?dnbr=41573%2094H&ivar=images/QS/415
 

Looking at this link and Item 26 looks like an alignment wire??
Going to try this tonight. Thinking it will hold the housings square and hold the spring compressed. Anyone tried or am I in orbit?

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

Bingo
 

the wire works. that was too easy:cool: of course, you guys probably knew that!

and then use a magic shrink ray to make your hands the size of a six year old girl.

My experience is put aside a couple hours to just run the cables and make connections at the transom. I tried taping the new cables onto the old and pull thru at dash end, got mixed results.

Would anyone have these written down anywhere for a tiger? :D

Yes!
And Morse 33c Supreme cables are always a great choice

ttt, dont see lengths on the cables :( any one have ideas?

Tape measure my friend.

got them pulled through last night, wasnt as bad as I had thought, worst part was figuring which wire ties to cut as they were hooked to other. Once I got them moving it was cool. Now as soon as the base gets back from paint time to rehook them.

Oh and if anyone needs them, drive cables for a tiger are 24 and 25 ft.:D

Just read through this thread and others that I searched. I am in the processs of replacing both indicater cables. How does the plastic faceplate come off? Is it held on by the four fasteners underneath located at the four corners? Since there is no way to get behind the dash of a straight bottom gun, Will the assembly come out of the hole that the trim/drive faceplate covers....? OR Will I have to bring it out from under the mane dash panel that wraps around the compus..?
Any ideas......... Suggestions..........
Thanks
Jr.

The back portion is smaller than the front so if they cut it right you should be able to pull it up through the hole after removing the faceplate.

[QUOTE=insptech;2130819]The back portion is smaller than the front so if they cut it right you should be able to pull it up through the hole after removing the faceplate.[/QUOTE

......................... Then disconect old and replace with new?
Jr.

Yeah, they are held by a bracket and the heads screw on the cable ends, it is pretty self explanitory when you get in there, watch for the springs in the pointers and the spacers on the bolts and you should be fine.

Cool, Thanks
Jr.

put a stick pin through them and use that to hold the top and spring in place, then when it is back together pull the pin out, in the diagram it's called an alignment wire. I just did mine on my tiger.

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.

FYI- I'm not sure where BILLR got these lengths but they are different from the stock cigarette cables in my '97 top gun. I pulled mine out this weekend and measured them...twice.

TABS- S-21"/ P-25"

OUTDRIVES- S-23"/ P-24"

I'm glad I didn't order my new ones yet!!

I need shift cables ... from the controls back to the motors ...do I have to get the standard bare end cables (10-32)? They Make a style with the Merc ends on one end and a 10-32 on the other ... The controls Are "k" and have the hook that attaches to the control ... I am at work today and cant look at them and need to order .... thanks ...m

33,35 or 30 Series ... I know the 33 will work but would be nice to have the new ends .....