SL-3 Contols adjustment?

[Mnoverboard]

Hello all, Im looking for advice on adjusting the shift controls (Teleflex SL-3 sidemount - pictured in my avatar) if possible on and SX-M outdrive. Here's the problem... At the control end is a non adjustable OEM connection. On the outdrive end is a threaded cable which allows for adjustment. The trouble is the cube nut is adjusted to the max and wont allow the shift mechanism at the drive to reach its forward detent. I believe this caused failure of the shift cone and shoe which I have replaced this weekend. I also replaced the shift cable, (thinking it was stretched) but it has left me in the same situation - the cube nut is threaded to the max and it will not fully engage the forward detent at the drive. Any advice would be welcome before I go ahead and replace the cable again with a universal type (threaded at both ends) and/or replace the shift controls. Thanks, Patrick

 

[bruceb58]

You likely have the old OMC ends on the control side. This is a leftover from the old OMC/Volvo joint venture days. You need new cables that have the same adjustable end on each side.

I had same issue when switching to the newer control like you have.

 

[Mnoverboard]

I believe the controls are original to the boat. Im not sure how they became outa whack to begin with.

 

[bruceb58]

Have a picture of the control ends?

You the original owner of the boat?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I donno yer controller, but most have a couple cable attachment points, one which gives a longer throw, than the other,....

 

[bruceb58]

A 2000 Four Winns likely came with the old OMC control. I just did a google search for 2000 Four Winns and saw the old control in a few of the boats for sale.

 

[Mnoverboard]

I'm not the original owner of the boat. When I pulled the controls off, there was evidence that somebody has been in there before. The cable is the OMC connection at the controls and is attached to the point which gives the longest throw... to no avail. I can't seem to find any info on adjusting the SL-3 control itself (if that's even possible).I'll probably start with swapping out the cable with a 33c Xtreme universal that has adjustment at both ends and see what happens. I just have this feeling that something is amiss

 

[bruceb58]

When I bought the same control you own currently, I had to switch cables to the ones you are going to buy. I was in contact with Volvo Penta support and they said I had to do it as well.

 

[Mnoverboard]

Thanks for the info. Cable and cable nest arriving Friday. Let ya know how it pans out.

 

[bruceb58]

what is a cable nest?

 

[Mnoverboard]

Cable nest is the bag 'o parts that allow attachment of the universal cable to the shifter. In other words, the plastic cable holder (nest), bushing, cube nut, clip etc..
Apparently that's the name Seastar calls it

 

[Mnoverboard]

Installed Xtreme 33c universal cable with adjustment at both ends of cable. Problem solved

 

[bruceb58]

Installed Xtreme 33c universal cable with adjustment at both ends of cable. Problem solved

Awesome.

 

[dlk4602]

I have the same issue with my shift cable in not having enough adjustment.

How hard is it to change out the cable? Any helpful tips would be appreciated.

 

[Mnoverboard]

Probably take ya bout an hour or so. Pretty straightforward job. Disconnect at the drive, controls, and carb. The manual says to move the outdrive to port but it's much easier to just remove the drive. After disconnecting it from the controls, I cut the control end off my old cable with bolt cutters, slit the jacket of the old cable and fed the new cable into it about a half inch. Taped er up real good, light greasing, and pulled the new cable through the transom tube. 2 person job- one pushing the cable from inside, one pulling at the transom. Cheers

 

[bruceb58]

I lube the housing tube that the cable goes through with dish washing soap.

 

[dlk4602]

Thanks for the tips. One concern I have is that I do not have any access to the backside of the controls. It appears that the controls may have been install before the hull and deck/cockpit were joined during manufacturing. Can the cable be changed from the outside of the control opening?

 

[Mnoverboard]

Short answer is nope. What kind of controls do you have? If it's SL-3 side mount heres how you get it off. First disconnect the shift cable at drive and the cable retainer, and disconnect at the carb so as to not "load" the controls. Remove center rubber cover and plastic plunger on the controls (idle control). This will expose the nut holding the control arm - remove. The rectangular cover is held on with 4 tabs - carefully pry these loose with screwdriver. This will expose the mounting plate and 4 bolts that hold the controls to the gunwale. Remove and you can pass the control arm through this opening and slide the guts out the back. Hopefully there's a panel you can remove to gain access.. otherwise youll be working through the control cutout or speaker cutout.

 

[dlk4602]

I can probably pull the whole assembly out through the back however it is pretty tight back there. Attached is a picture of the control in the same boat I have and a diagram of the OMC controller I have.

 

[bruceb58]

That's the control I used to have before I replaced it with the Volvo one. Pretty easy to take the handle off.

If you decide to get the control like the OP and I have, shop around. You can get them pretty cheap.
http://www.blackbearsportinggoods.com/Side_Mt_Dlx_p/ellmors309475002.htm?click=12