Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

[dsiekman]

Hey all,

Long time listener, first time caller. I just bought a 2000 Cobalt 293 with 160 hours on twin Volvo 5.0's. The boat has Kiekhaeffer "zero effort" controls. The problem is that "zero effort" isn't quite accurate. Both the throttles and shifters are very stiff. I know they are supposed to be a little stiff but this is a little much. I also know these shifters are supposed to have spring loaded ball detents and I should be able to feel the "click" as I run the throttles up. The shifters are a bigger problem as it is nearly impossible to find neutral - the volvos are much smoother than my old bravo III and its definitive clunk. I feel like I should be able to feel the shifter hit neutral. Am I being too picky? I am planning to replace all the cables, but wanted to know if anyone had a suggestion for cleaning, lubricating, rebuilding these controls.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Ayuh,... Usually a Good cleanin',+ Greasein' along with fresh cables is enough....

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Thanks! I plan to give it a shot this weekend. Anything I need to know?

 

[JustJason]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Anything I need to know?

Yes... got pictures of your rig? Kiekhaeffer is Carl's last name, and hasn't been tossed around since the late 60's, early 70's. Carl started Mercury/Mercruiser. How do you have Merc controlls on a Volvo rig?

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

I don't have pics but can take some this weekend. What do you want pics of in particular?

Yeah, I know, merc controls and volvo power is a little weird. It is evidently a Cobalt thing. It came from the factory that way. A few years back I tested a new Cobalt 24SX with the same controls except for a single also with Volvo power.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Just the controller, want to see what one it is.

Other than that, all you can do is disconnect the cables at the controller and, and at the engine end, and start sliding things back and forth independently to see what's sticking and what isn't.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Okay, I snuck down tonight after work and did a little digging...also replaced some burned out gauge bulbs with led's. Pretty sweet! I have attached a pic of the controls as well as a shot of the cables. They look a little rough. I also noticed I'm not the first one to pull the controls. One of the screw heads was pretty well stripped.

I tried moving each throttle individually without the engines on. I can feel the detents on the starboard some of the time. Still pretty stiff, though. Nothing on the port throttle. I didn't mess with the shifters. I've been told not to if the engines aren't running. Is that right? Anyway, let me know what you think based on the pics.

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

I didn't mess with the shifters. I've been told not to if the engines aren't running. Is that right?

Ayuh,... For diagnostic purposes, disconnect the cables at the Other end....

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Okay, after a nice afternoon on the water I pulled the controls. The problem appears to be that some idiot decided to remove the ball bearings and springs on three of the four control arms. @#$%!!!!!! Probably the same genius that removed the engine alarms...

Anybody know where I can get replacements?

 

[dsiekman]

SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Went to the local hardware store and found SS springs and ball bearings that were close enough. Assembled with enough lithium grease to shove a bowling ball through a garden hose and put them back in. MUCH BETTER!

Thanks for the help!

 

[JustJason]

Re: SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Re: SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

It's amazing what a little grease will do sometimes. Glad to hear you found your problem!

 

[Bondo]

Re: SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

Re: SOLVED - Kiekhaeffer Shifter Issues

It's amazing what a little grease will do sometimes. Glad to hear you found your problem!

Ayuh,..... Ain't it though,..??..