think I'm going to need a new prop cable soon

[rbridges]

I put it in general b/c I wasn't sure the best way to do this.  Cable is starting to get a little hard to pull.  Teflon spray helps for a while but I think it's just buying me time.  I have a '65 C model that has the 201 panel.  Don't know if that matters, but isn't it the same panel that was put in the newer C models, or is it completely different?  Would it be best to remove my cable and send it to Macfarlane to duplicate?

[madjano]

I had to replace mine last annual.  Was trying to get done before Xmas vacation, so ended up getting replacement from Mooney for like $450. Got it in two days.

If I had the time, I would of probably gone to Macfarlane.  I think they are cheaper.  I thought I read on here that they make Mooney's cable anyway.  And if there is any discrepancy with your panel vs. the factory, the Macfarlane would be sure to fit.

I know mine went pretty quick from firm to pull, to basically had to use two hands to get it to move.  Yet when its out of the airplane and in the trash can they move real easy...must be some pretty tight turns in there.

[KSMooniac]

I'm very happy with my McFarlane cables, and yes, they make them for Mooney. There is a decent chance they might even have inventory on the shelf...

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[rbridges]

I'll call my IA.  any tips for removing the cable?  I heard it can be tricky.

[mike20papa]

Go down to Harbor Freight and pick up a "mini-me"  He'll come in real handy doing all of the behind the panel work that you would have had to do lying on your back wedge into the floor board area.  All you have to do is learn to speak "Jhinese" and hand him the tools.  These are damned handy fellas, thank god for Harbor Freight.

[rbridges]

Just now, mike20papa said:

Go down to Harbor Freight and pick up a "mini-me"  He'll come in real handy doing all of the behind the panel work that you would have had to do lying on your back wedge into the floor board area.  All you have to do is learn to speak "Jhinese" and hand him the tools.  These are damned handy fellas, thank god for Harbor Freight.

I went to Harbor Frieght and asked for the Mini-me.  They looked at me kinda odd.  I explained what it was, but they just laughed.  I think you misled me.  

[KSMooniac]

I'll call my IA.  any tips for removing the cable?  I heard it can be tricky.

There is nothing complicated...just disconnect from the supports and pull it back into the cabin. You might take pictures of routing before you remove it too. You'll need to be a contortionist to work under/behind the panel, and removing the front seats will help.

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[KSMooniac]

I'd also change all 3 cables if they're the same age.

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[Bob_Belville]

I replaced all 3 cables last fall. The old ones were almost 20 years old which is longer than recommended and they were ACS which are inferior to MacFarlane.

I did most of the work including reaming the panel hole for the throttle. But I always get Lynn to check my work and make the connections at the business end.

Pull the front seats and pay attention to the cable routing and it's not a terrible job. The floating firewall guides are nicer to work with that the older setup. 

It's pretty difficult to get accurate measurements without pulling the cable and laying it straight. MacFarlane's on line ordering form is easy to fill out. Email it to them for fastest turn around. I think they usually can ship in a few days. 

[Raptor05121]

Have you guys upgraded to the Vernier style?

[Bob_Belville]

1 hour ago, Raptor05121 said:

Have you guys upgraded to the Vernier style?

I considered it but did not opt for the vernier on the throttle. The only time I can imagine using it would be to nail 1800 rpm for mag checks.

[neilpilot]

In 2015 our prop cable became extremely difficult to adjust, and nearly impossible to move in cold weather, until the engine compartment and cabin had warmed.  When we went in for annual we asked the shop to "lube the prop cable".  Not sure how they handled that, but it has been very easy to adjust in the last 14 months.

[carusoam]

Follow up questions...

is your prop cable blue?

in 1965 they were black Bakelite type material with a center push to unlock button...

If you still have the black knob, you got your money's worth.

If you have a blue knob, check your logs to see how long it's been there.

Best regards,

-a-

[Hank]

Those of us with quadrants can replace the cable and keep our original-colored black / black / red knobs with the heavily-patina'ed brass screws holding them to the levers . . . I tried to remove one once, it's gonna take a drill when the time comes.

[Browncbr1]

Mine started getting a little stiff when the weather just got cooler.   My A&p said try some LPS2 or a little motor oil and it will work in there overtime.  There are also tools to clamp on the cable to pressurize lubricant into the cable housing.  

[rbridges]

13 minutes ago, Browncbr1 said:

Mine started getting a little stiff when the weather just got cooler.   My A&p said try some LPS2 or a little motor oil and it will work in there overtime.  There are also tools to clamp on the cable to pressurize lubricant into the cable housing.  

I bought one but it seems like a pita to get the cable loose by the firewall. I figured I'd go ahead and replace it. I'm worried that it will start acting up again. 

[rbridges]

8 hours ago, carusoam said:

Follow up questions...

is your prop cable blue?

in 1965 they were black Bakelite type material with a center push to unlock button...

If you still have the black knob, you got your money's worth.

If you have a blue knob, check your logs to see how long it's been there.

Best regards,

-a-

Mine is black. I'll look in the logs to see if it's original. 

[carusoam]

Keep in mind, I wrote cable.... meant knob.... 

Blue knob is current standard for prop control.  Which is a newer standard then some of our birds were built with...

Best regards,

-a-

[rbridges]

I made a call to Maxwell.  He knew the prop cable # off the top of his head.  He said there is only one option for my plane.  Also said it didn't matter if I had a newer panel.  Getting it drop shipped to my house for around $380.  I guess he knows a thing or two about mooneys.  lol.

[rbridges]

On 10/4/2016 at 11:02 PM, carusoam said:

Follow up questions...

is your prop cable blue?

in 1965 they were black Bakelite type material with a center push to unlock button...

If you still have the black knob, you got your money's worth.

If you have a blue knob, check your logs to see how long it's been there.

Best regards,

-a-

just an update, the cable sent by Maxwell from Mooney was blue.  my original was black.

[Hank]

Glad you're getting things back together. We need a Friday lunch run . . .