Stiff foreward controlls

[MIA Ozz]

Hi, i just purchased a 1998 Larson 290 Cabrio with Volvo Penta dual forward controlls that are very stiff and hard to use. How can i loosen them or lubricate them so that they work freely. i have tried silicone spray but this did not help. do i need to replace the cables?

 

[Angrywasp]

Re: Stiff foreward controlls

The control cables were stiff on my boat and instead of a silicone spray I used some Dupont teflon spray from walmart. If you can find a motorcycle cable adapter it makes getting the spary in much easier. It goes over the end of the cable housing and you stick the red spray tube into it and just spray away. Cycle the cables as you do it. Worked quite well for me.

 

[MIA Ozz]

Re: Stiff foreward controlls

Thanks for the advice, it's great idea.
I will try it.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Stiff foreward controlls

Most (If not all) cable manufacturers say you cannot lubricate the cable. On a twelve year old boat it is probably about time, especially with volvo drives. My understanding is that volvo drives of that vintage have the drive end of the cable sitting in the water. If you are in salt water you may have a good deal of corrosion by now. Unhook the shift cable at the drive and operate the shifter. If it is still rough it is most likely the cable or control box. If it moves free it is most likely the drive. I am going to do mine this fall and got the cables for about $50 each.

 

[MIA Ozz]

Re: Stiff foreward controlls

Thanks for the advice. The local mechanic tells me that Volvo,s suffer this problem and that it's at the drive end. I will try and locate the problem and lube all the bits. It's a very tricky to control it tight situations.
Thanks for the replys.