Morse throttle handles won't align

superheat6k

superheat6k

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The prior owner of Billy Ruffian installed new Morse style dual throttle / gear controls (not sure of the specific maker). They are bright chrome finish with lever handles that extend inward to allow one hand control of both levers. They have a rubber button at the axis to de-select the gear shift.

The pair on the upper helm are fine, but the lower pair do not align properly.

Removing the levers reveals they are mounted on a splined shaft so I tried moving one lever one spline index, but this simply shifted the misalignment. I also tried swapping the levers in case they were handed, but the misalignment seems to be precisely one half spline.

There is no obvious adjustment of the precise lever positions relative to each other, but I do not have a manual and I'm not sure who made them.

I will put up some photos later.

So other than Morse who else makes these things ?

Thanks.
 
Here are the photos - there is no adjustment within the individual throttle housings.

I wonder if I remove one lever and simply bend it back in line. IMG_8840.jpegIMG_8839.jpegIMG_8838.jpeg
 
Normally the cable has a threaded end that takes a fitting that is fitted to the control. You can sometimes get some adjustment on that or maybe at the other end of the cable where ever it finishes.
 
Sounds like something was not indexed properly when it was diecast, Have you tried swapping them side to side in case the misalignment improves? You might tweak a handle with it held in a vice and a tactical blow with a hammer, or it might just snap..
 
Are the cable to lever linkages on both sides the same ( mirror images)as in connected in the same holes as the levers generally have a selection of holes dependent upon function and a shift of hole may slightly rotate the shaft to a different position all other things being equal. Sounds like its the splined shaft that needs to rotate slightly.
 
There is no point messing around with the cables, the levers centre on an indent, even if you disconnect the cables they will not align.
 
superheat6k said:
I think they are Vetus. Any ideas on where to find a manual ?
Click to expand...

They look identical to Vetus, except i can't see any Vetus ones with the T handle tops, so perhaps copies ?

Not sure how much you can take them apart, but i'd look to see if the indent mechanism could be moved as a first option.

Is the splined shaft welded in place, could it be ground out, moved and re-welded ?

Could the shaft be cut, turned and re-welded ?

Bending would be my last resort, in case it breaks, they are £700 plus to buy complete!
 
They are Vetus and quite possibly Morse in origin.
The Vetus model is RCTOPTSG and a link to the manual is You searched for RCTOPTSG - VETUS which is too large to upload here.
Below is an extract from the manual.
If it isn't possible to adjust the position of the handle in its Neutral position by either cable adjustment (acting on the spline), détente (acting on the handle) or 'Pop out' adjustment(actioned within the gearbox) then the only other way to adjust the resting position of the handle top would be by slacking the screws that hold the gear and lever assembly (B) to casing side (A) and rotating them if possible at all in order to bring them together before re tightening the screws. It would also be useful to check that the two casings are level as they are individually positioned and so may have a difference in alignment on the station top.
Failing any of the above then it would seem to suggest either wear / damage or manufacturing defects in which case as a remedy for the latter then I would consider slotting the screw holes in both item B in order to be able to rotate sufficiently to gain alignment before re securing. Or alternatively shim at the back edge one of the side casings to achieve the same end.

1680438151619.png
 
ean_p said:
They are Vetus and quite possibly Morse in origin.
The Vetus model is RCTOPTSG and a link to the manual is You searched for RCTOPTSG - VETUS which is too large to upload here.
Below is an extract from the manual.
If it isn't possible to adjust the position of the handle in its Neutral position by either cable adjustment (acting on the spline), détente (acting on the handle) or 'Pop out' adjustment(actioned within the gearbox) then the only other way to adjust the resting position of the handle top would be by slacking the screws that hold the gear and lever assembly (B) to casing side (A) and rotating them if possible at all in order to bring them together before re tightening the screws. It would also be useful to check that the two casings are level as they are individually positioned and so may have a difference in alignment on the station top.
Failing any of the above then it would seem to suggest either wear / damage or manufacturing defects in which case as a remedy for the latter then I would consider slotting the screw holes in both item B in order to be able to rotate sufficiently to gain alignment before re securing. Or alternatively shim at the back edge one of the side casings to achieve the same end.

View attachment 154179
Click to expand...
The holes where the screws pass through the outer side casings are threaded and precise in the yokes (B). I suppose an option would be to mill the holes to one side and then somehow position the yokes to allow the mechanisms to tilt a 1/4 spline each, but this wouldn't be simple.

I do wonder if the yokes (B) are slightly handed, and thus if I dismantled the lot and swapped them over the problem might be eliminated.
 
The assembly that you have is made up from a number of modules
B is the basic control mechanism and is used in single and twin configurations and side and sailboat modes and was initially Morse
Vetus and other culprits market kits often branded
the handles are basically interchangeable but the alignment problem universal
if you do mangle a lever it is often cheaper to buy a fitting kit for single top mount and bin the surplus the handle may be available as a spare part at spares prices rather than accessories price
 
superheat6k said:
The holes where the screws pass through the outer side casings are threaded and precise in the yokes (B). I suppose an option would be to mill the holes to one side and then somehow position the yokes to allow the mechanisms to tilt a 1/4 spline each, but this wouldn't be simple.

I do wonder if the yokes (B) are slightly handed, and thus if I dismantled the lot and swapped them over the problem might be eliminated.
Click to expand...
From your photo it seems as if some of the fixing screws are not fitted. It may be of benefit to fit and slack them all and 'twist' B each way as the more I think about it the more I'm convinced that its an assembly issue rather than a defective manufacturing issue. Have you also given some thought to shimming the back of one of the side casings...?
 
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