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THURSDAY 8/2/01
The new single-lever Vetus
engine controls will be a huge improvement over the clunky old controls.
Installing them was one of the final jobs required before firing up the new
engine for the first time.
The controls come with a
template for the cutout, so I made my markings in the desired location and cut
out the large hole. Unfortunately, I could not install the new controls in
the same place as the old, since there was a plywood backer glassed in place at
that location, making it too thick for the new controls. Plus, for a
decent lead for the cables, I thought it would be better to move it forward a
little. This left a 2" hole in the side of the cockpit well, but I
plan to install a fuel gauge there soon. And, of course, the new hole
couldn't be quite far enough forward to completely cover the ragged hole left
behind when I removed the old engine stop cable assembly, since I had to leave
the controls far enough aft so that the lever could move forward enough to reach
wide open throttle without hitting the front of the cockpit.
Anyway, with the hole cut, I
connected the engine control cables to the throttle and gearshift on the
engine. The end of the cable simply threads into these fittings, making
for a pretty easy installation. Next, I ran the cables aft and through the
cutout in the cockpit side.
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 Now,
I hooked up the cables to the controls. Following the directions, I
attached some plastic holders/adapters to the metal cable support assembly on
the controls, and secured the cables in place with the provided
connectors. Then I could insert the whole mechanism through the cutout and
secure the face plate to the cockpit side with screws. With this done, I
adjusted the lever so that it could clear the front of the cockpit without
hitting--this ended up with the lever just aft of straight up and down when in
neutral.
The new controls are
great--smooth and easy to operate. What an improvement over the old
ones! Installation seemed confusing at first, but once I got into it (like
most things) it really wasn't too bad.
With the controls in place,
the engine was nearly ready for firing for the first time. Click here
to continue.
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