Shift/throttle cables - difference in lengths?

[todhunter]

I know it's going to vary boat-to-boat, but is it typical for the throttle cable to be about 1 ft longer than the shift cable on a Mercruiser 350? Specifically, mine is a 1987 with a QJ carb and has the controls on the starboard side. Just looking at the routing, I'm assuming they need to be different lengths...or should I order cables the same length?

 

[alldodge]

Cable lengths do not matter so long as they reach. A cable 10ft will move the inner core the same amount as a 20 ft cable. Can be longer to make it easier or short to keep it compact. Bend radius is the main thing to consider

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... They go to two different places,.....
Why would they be the same length,..??

 

[todhunter]

Ayuh,..... They go to two different places,.....
Why would they be the same length,..??

I didnt think it made sense that they did, but I had seen someone post in a group I follow about my boat that they bought equal length cables. Didnt make sense to me either....why I asked.

 

[achris]

Some are, some aren't. Just depends on which engine model, and cable routing. On my newer V6 they are the same, because the throttle cable mounting is right next to the shift plate. My old V6 was different (throttle was 300mm longer) because the shift plate was on the starboard elbow and the throttle attachment was on the port side of the engine. If the helm was on the port side of the boat, then the throttle cable would have been the short one, not the long one.

Horses for courses. Measure YOUR boat, don't rely on what other people have and think yours will be the same. Might be, might not be.

Chris........

 

[todhunter]

Some are, some aren't. Just depends on which engine model, and cable routing. On my newer V6 they are the same, because the throttle cable mounting is right next to the shift plate. My old V6 was different (throttle was 300mm longer) because the shift plate was on the starboard elbow and the throttle attachment was on the port side of the engine. If the helm was on the port side of the boat, then the throttle cable would have been the short one, not the long one.

Horses for courses. Measure YOUR boat, don't rely on what other people have and think yours will be the same. Might be, might not be.

Chris........

Thanks Chris for the helpful and informative response.

 

[Grub54891]

if you have the old cables, there is a number stamped in the housing, by one end or the other. That will tell you the length.