Synchronizing Morse throttles

[TrawlerDavid]

I looked through the archives and didn't find the answer to this. I just replaced all 8 Morse cables on my 1976 GB 36. Done by a local technician but he didn't have a lot of Morse experience and I lost confidence by the end of the project. The lower throttles are in alignment at idle RPM and look okay. The flybridge throttles attach to the lower "master" Morse controls. When I checked the upper throttles, they are misaligned at idle RPM's. Can't figure out why as if they are attached at the same points to the lower unit that does align, they should not be off. I don't think moving the stop screws on the upper helm is the answeras that would position the throttle cable at a different RPM when aligned. Photo attached of upper throttles. Anyone else had this issue and have insight into how to synchronize and align the throttle handles at the upper (secondary) helm position? Thanks for the assistance.

 

[SteveK]

OK, been a while, so best I can remember is at least one end of the cables has a set nut on the length of threaded casing with cable inside. Start with lower helm with cables from the engines. You loosen the set nut and turn the threaded part to shorten or lengthen the fixed positions of the cable outside
Once done with lower then do same to upper. Clear as mud?

 

[tiltrider1]

As Steve said. The ends of Morse cables are adjustable and you just adjust the ends until the throttles are synced.

 

[Mambo42]

Indeed, the end of the cable is a bit like a brake or clutch cable on a motorbike (old ones). you can adjust the nut and thus synchronize them.

 

[SIBERNUT]

I would think the objective is to sync the engines first , by RPM or harmonics. My last twin boat i could distinctly hear when they were sync'ed. THEN start with the procedure by Steve k above to align the levers more closely if you wish.

 

[SteveK]

I would think the objective is to sync the engines first , by RPM or harmonics. My last twin boat i could distinctly hear when they were sync'ed. THEN start with the procedure by Steve k above to align the levers more closely if you wish.

I would agree that engine idle should be synced so both levers bottom out at idle same rpm.

 

[Greg QS]

Yes they are adjustable. The nuts in the engine room are for adjusting throttle and trans linkage throw. These make sure you get full range of the settings at the engine. The nuts at the station are the ones you adjust to even out the handles.

 

[TrawlerDavid]

Yes they are adjustable. The nuts in the engine room are for adjusting throttle and trans linkage throw. These make sure you get full range of the settings at the engine. The nuts at the station are the ones you adjust to even out the handles.

Thanks. Lower helm is synced and engine room linkage adjusted. So should be straightforward to adjust fly bridge throttle handles to sync. Appreciate your willingness to share trawler knowledge.

 

[bglad]

It has been many years since I have installed or adjusted these type controls, but I recall that under the Morse top plate there are screws that limit the lever travel. I think they are there so you do not strain the cables pulling them past their points of useful travel. Kind of like rudder stops for the steering system.