OMC Binnacle friction control?

[Cricket Too]

I have a top mount OMC binnacle control, it is the type that the throttle handle pops out to the left to become the fast idle lever. Anyway the problem I'm having is at lower RPM's like about 2000, I have to keep my hand on it or else it physically falls back down to about 1500 RPM, I mean you can see the handle fall back down. Is there a friction control adjustment on this type of binnacle, like I had on my old side mount? I looked for one underneath but didn't see one. Or are the cables starting to bind slightly and causing a little drag on the handle? It shifts very smooth and I don't feel any drag from the cables and once you get up to about 2500 on up the handle stays wherever you put it including WOT, so was wondering if maybe there is an adjustment or if this is a symptom of cables starting to go even though they feel OK. Thanks.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Bump. Anybody?

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Bump

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

I have the same problem. According to the experts there is no friction control. <br />I'd say the opposite is happening. Your cables are nice and free moving. <br />You just gonna have to keep your hand on the throttle.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Yeah I probably will keep my hand on the the throttle for the rest of this season. But I would really like to remedy the problem, it's pretty annoying when you have keep your hand on the throttle for 15 minutes or so on your way out and back to the dock, not to mention it cramps your hand up a little. I'm assuming this is just a worn binnacle control and will probably need to be replaced, which is why I will deal with it for the rest of the season, they are pretty expensive. Wish there was some way to tighten it up.

 

[angus63]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Mr Mundas<br />I have used plastic shim packs to fabricate washers to add some "bite" to control arms on lathes and mills. The plastic shim is cheap and lets you experiment with different thicknesses to get the resistance you are looking for. Just a thought.....<br />Good luck

 

[noelm]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

I had a binacle control on one of my boats, it was a genuine OMC one and I am positive it had a friction "screw" but I think it was accessed from under the control assembly, but I could be wrong as it was about 12 years ago now.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Noelm I'll check it again, but I'm pretty sure this type has no friction control, the old side mount controls had a knob on them that you turned, but I haven't seen any on the newer ones, but I never needed it before so I never really looked for it. I looked quick under the console but didn't see anything, I'll look a little closer.<br /><br />Angus...Not sure what you mean by the shims, where do you put them to tighten the controls up?

 

[angus63]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Not all controls are the same, but I placed them INSIDE of the outer most metal washer that retains the rotational assembly. This created a little more resistance and kept the control in place. Another option is adding a light coil spring to the linkage assembly on the motor to retain your throttle position, but that will take some creative testing and SAFETY consideration. I've also seen one that had what looked like 200# leader monofilament wrapped between the control arm and the binnacle to add resistance. Heck, One boat I skippered needed a spoon wedged in the Morse control to keep a steady speed.<br />Good luck

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

Not a bad idea Angus, I will give it a shot and see what happens. The plastic shims I mean. Thanks.

 

[HOUSTON1]

Re: OMC Binnacle friction control?

I know this is late, but maybe someone down the road could use it. I had a friction setting on my top mount omc control box. It was under a rubber oblong cover/plug next to the handle. Turn the phillips screw concealed in the opening to adjust the friction.