Steering cable split advice.

[shortyuk]

Hi All,

I have a couple of questions. I have recently taken ownership of a 1979 Marina 95. It has a split in the outer sheath of the Bowden steering cable. There is nothing wrong with the rest of the unit or the cable, all teeth are good and the steering operated fine. This split was pointed out when I had an engine survey done. Finding a replacement cable as you will see below is proving a bit of a struggle and before I end up spending a fortune I wanted to seek some advice as to whether its possible to patch this split cable outer. I am considering finding a section of hose or even metal tube that I could slide over the split and fix in place. Does anybody have any opinions on this?



I am struggling to locate the manufacturer of the steering helm as the steering helm unit does not have any markings on it other than ‘MARK II’ and ‘MADE IN SWEDEN’ Here are a few images of the unit and cable. It is a rotary cable and has both a port and starboard cable, each cable length is 400cm.the outer sheath diameter is 15mm. I have had a helpful suggestion from Scottie a YBW member that it is possibly an early iteration of a Morse D320 or D335 and I am investigating that route. However while I have your attention if anyone recognises this unit could you let me know please







Thanks in advance for your help and time in this matter

 

[penfold]

The split appears to just be the plastic outer coating with the inner structural steel reinforcing intact with only superficial rust; if that is the case and the cable operates well with no/little slop I'd bind up the split with self-amalgamating tape and refit it.

 

[Boater Sam]

If you can tread heat shrink sleeving over the split, clean the cable and coat it with contact adhesive before shrinking the sleeve with a hot air gun.

 

[Bilgediver]

The split appears to just be the plastic outer coating with the inner structural steel reinforcing intact with only superficial rust; if that is the case and the cable operates well with no/little slop I'd bind up the split with self-amalgamating tape and refit it.

Exactly my thoughts too. It would then last a second lifetime with no ill effects.

 

[neil_s]

I would suggest cutting away all of the sheath where it is split so that you can see the reverse of the steel outer and ensure it is sound. Heat-shrink tube sounds like a good idea to make good - you can get it with meltable glue already inside to make a waterproof repair.