Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

[jtexas]

1979 rude 70
The "neutral lock slide" (#27 in the pic) broke (indicated with a red line). Guess it must have developed a crack some time over the last 30 years, and finally gave up. Lost the piece overboard. I can still operate it fine, just enough of a lip to get a grip on.

It's about a $10 part -- but what I don't know is, how much disassembly will it take to get it apart and back together.

Doesn't look that bad, but what am I not seeing?

It's not that I mind complicated assemblies or anything, but I try not to go looking for trouble. Hate it when boat repair eats into my fishing time if you know what I mean.

How long would it take me to complete this repair?
How many little pieces (springs, washers, etc.) will I lose in the process?
How likely is it that one of those little containers in my garage will contain a suitable substitute?

thanks,

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

if it works, and does not bother you, Why?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

if it works, and does not bother you, Why?

Why fix it? Cause it's broke. It's bothersome, just not really very bothersome. Rather have it fixed, if the fix won't cause undue aggravation.

You make a good point, though -- wait awhile, see if gets more bothersome with time...........................

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

i would find a used one on ebay.

 

[F_R]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

No need to put up with such a simple broken part. It is easy to replace. No need to dis-assemble the control. The hardest part is removing the control from the boat (two nuts behind the panel). No need to remove any cables etc, just get the control free so you can get at the backside of the control.

Once you get it off the boat, there is a single screw in the center of the backside holding the lever on. Loosen the screw a couple of turns then give it a bump with a hammer and punch. That will knock the handle loose. Go ahead and take the screw the rest of the way out and you will have the handle in your hands.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

If it were mine, I'd fix it.
But I have novices operate the controls occasionally when crabbing.
It's all about the crabs!

 

[5150abf]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

I actually taped mine up so it wouldn't work, it was a real pain.

None of the new control boxes have that feature so it certainly isn't necessary, if it aint't(too) broke don't fix it.

 

[F_R]

Re: Broke control still works -- fix it or not?

Yeah, and I durn near went for a swim because of a control with no neutral lock slide. But that's another story.