Technical Reference / FAQs (Cont.)

®

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

My control used to work fine, but now one lever is hard to move. What should I do

to fix this?

First, determine where the problem lies. There are three possible trouble areas: the control, the cable

and the throttle or transmission connection. By isolating these one at a time, you will find the problem.

Engine(s) must be OFF when performing these checks:

a. Disconnect the cable at the throttle or transmission attachment point. Move the throttle or

transmission arm through its arc to be certain there is no restriction or binding. If the arm is stiff or

binding, clean and lubricate moving parts. If this does not solve the problem, make the appropriate

repairs. Generally, the force required to move a throttle or shift arm should be no more than 5-10

pounds.

b. With the cable disconnected at the engine end, try to move the control lever. If it moves freely, the

problem was the throttle/transmission arm. If the control handle is still hard to operate, disconnect

the cable from the control. If the lever operates smoothly, the control cable needs replacement. If

the lever is still hard to move, lubricate the lever pivot point in the control with penetrating oil and a

light grease.

c. If the problem is with a throttle lever, you may have a cable brake installed to limit cable feedback to

the handle. If this is the case, loosen or remove the brake. If throttle lever creep back is a problem on

the boat, you should consider installing a SeaStar Solutions CH5600P SLT control. This unit will stop

cable creep without sacrificing a smooth feel.

Each control lever has both a self-locking and direct drive lever arm. The cable

from the engine throttle directly to the control should be connected to the

control’s self-locking lever arm. The cable from the transmission should only

be connected to the control’s direct-drive lever arm. Cables between stations

should only be connected to the direct drive lever arms of those controls.

When a cable from the transmission or a “slave station”

is connected to the direct-drive arm, it will allow the

control lever to be moved from another station. Cables

from the main station to any additional stations must be

attached to direct drive arms on those stations.

When a cable from the throttle is connected to the self-

locking arm (black in color), it will only move if the lever

is moved; engine vibration and return spring feedback

will not move the control lever. Only throttle cables

routed directly from the engine to the control should be

connected to self-locking lever arms.

How Does the CH5600P Work?

CH5600P SLT-two types of lever arms: