120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

[rmillik]

My local repair shop says I need a new control box (throttle/shift) and in order to replace the box, they have to replace both cables and the wiring harness. It is a single lever side mount box with trim/tilt on a 1988 120HP outboard. Seems to me they should be able to replace the box without all of the other items. Almost sounds like a rip off! Comments? Also, a source for a new or used box would be appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

Ebay for used or about $300+ new

The wiring harness with the red plug comes with the box. Some single lever boxes do not have the T&T control button and the control cables need to match the box.

What happened to your old one?

 

[Daviet]

Re: 120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

I have replaced the control box and used the old cables and harness. It takes a little time to transfer everything to the new box.
Look at the top of the page in the "Top Secret File", there is a list of salvage yards there, I bet one of them can help you out with a used control box.

 

[rmillik]

Re: 120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

Ebay for used or about $300+ new

The wiring harness with the red plug comes with the box. Some single lever boxes do not have the T&T control button and the control cables need to match the box.

What happened to your old one?

Extremely hard to shift and can't get full throttle. I can't see anything wrong with the cables and can't see why they cannot be reused. Those are probably the least expensive items!

 

[Daviet]

Re: 120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

How does feel if you disconnect both cables at the engine?

 

[TLL]

Re: 120 HP Johnson Control Box cable/harness replacement

The OMC control box is a very sturdy unit and I have a hard time beliving that it is broken beyond repair. Most parts should be available, but I haven't looked in a while. Usually a little cleaning and lubricating is all they need. I would really rule out the cables as a problem first. Buying a new box will require a new harness, as your old harness won't work with the new box. If you are replacing the control box, it would be best to install new cables also so all is new. 1988 year cables are probably close to needing replacement anyway.