Original throttle cable

[Laz]

I have tried and tried to find out where to obtain a throttle cable for my BC12_D. My original has a square shaft, I believe it is a Shakespeare brand. Here is what I have tried so far.

1. Called Univair, they do not have one.

2. Had a friend take an original to McFarland. They may be able to make one but the, The blue cable casing they use is so stiff we are not sure if it will work around the heat shroud.

3. Wag Aero has the drawings, but says the demand vs cost is prohibitive. (they have the actual drawings of the original).

4. I hear a Cessna 180 cable will "work" but the hole is larger and if you look at the BC-12 D hole there is not much room to make a larger one. If that cable does work at least it is PMA's and since an original is not available it can be used with the paper paperwork. I wish someone would post pictures on the forum if one to see how they made it work.

My cable works but I would like one that is not 60 years old. If anyone has an original in any condition I would like to buy it borrow or whatever so I can get exact dimensions and have one made. If I take mine out my airplane is down. So I need a junk one.

The real problem with a BC-12 D cable is not the overall length, but the extra long threaded housing at the panel. There is a 2" spacer to get the Knob away from the panel and Mag switch.

If anyone can help me out please let me know.

419-573-5043.

One last note Mrs. Ferris had these in stock with the Square shaft, so there may be some new ones floating around.

[Marv]

Re: Original throttle cable

Try Forrest. He may have some left. Marv

[M Towsley]

Re: Original throttle cable

I was out at Alliance a couple of years ago, nothing there unless they parted a plane out. These are next to impossible to find and even if you do, they are still over 60 years old and in all probability-used. There are some threads on here about throttle cables, you may want to do some research on the forum. I wish you luck, I have been looking for a spare for years. Too bad my NOS L-2 throttle cable won't work.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Original throttle cable

I have the one from my 45 out now and maybe we can collaborate on a set of drawings. It should NOT be that difficult to make (not easy, but not impossible) and I am sure there are a lot of them around that need to be rebuilt but no one wants to ground their bird to do it. Maybe we can build enough data to make a few and do an exchange program. The throttle friction mechanism seems to be a real problem.

Hank

[Laz]

Re: Original throttle cable

Thanks Hank,

I will call Wag Aero on Monday and see if they will at least make a copy of the drawings they have of the cable. I loaned them a set of wheel pants mounting brackets to see of they could get them cast for there new PMA fiberglass ones. Just like the cable, it was too costly. They have always been very willing to try and make some parts that they think they will sell. Mcfarland will make a cable but its 275 bucks. I am not as frugal as some but that makes me pause. Wag Aeo sell a T-craft fuel tank for less than 500 and that was worth every penny. If wee cannot get a drawing I may be able to borrow one. Since no one sells a pma version (the McFarland one is not PMA fro 275), it can be done under owner produced part.

I have the one from my 45 out now and maybe we can collaborate on a set of drawings. It should NOT be that difficult to make (not easy, but not impossible) and I am sure there are a lot of them around that need to be rebuilt but no one wants to ground their bird to do it. Maybe we can build enough data to make a few and do an exchange program. The throttle friction mechanism seems to be a real problem.

Hank

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Original throttle cable

I will check for the cable tomorrow. It was on the bench last week at the airport. Might be a good group project as soon as we get the bungee group buy done.

Hank

[astjp2]

Re: Original throttle cable

I was the first to use and post on using the 180 cable, but you can reinvent the horse and spend months working on a solution. Sometimes you need to consider if you want to fly or build. Tim

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Original throttle cable

Wasn't the Mcfarlane 180 cable larger and you had to drill the panel out for it? I also thought someone said you couldn't use the original throttle balls because the threads were different (I didn't check that, just remember someone saying it).

If anyone has experience please post it. All I remember is us talking about it. Did anyone ever put the 180 parts in and how did they work? Some photos of the mods would be great so we can see if we want to make ones like the original or modify the plane for the 180 type.

Anyone know what kind of paperwork is needed to change to the 180 parts (you knew SOMEONE was going to open that box didn't you? Might as well get it out of the way now).

I did get my 45 throttle assembly out and it is in pretty bad shape. Lots of wear, but the parts all look "make-able". I need to find a 180 assembly and see if it would make the "originality nuts" happy.

I have also talked to Laura and we may be able to start making the throttle knobs Josh was making again this summer. I think I found out how the "Ivory" knobs were made back in the day. I have a master for both types of other knobs for under the panel and will be trying to make a mold.

Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: Original throttle cable

Here is one thread on the 180 cable. I will do some more searching.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?8143-Throttle-cable&highlight=throttle+cable

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?6812-engine-control-cables&highlight=throttle+cable

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?6404-Throttle-Cable&highlight=throttle+cable

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?5056-help!-need-throttle-cable&highlight=throttle+cable

Here is a throttle cable from one of the above links, not sure it would work:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/frictionth.php

[M Towsley]

Re: Original throttle cable

This cable is on Ebay, though I think it looks too short. The seller is someone I know from prior Ebay purchases, her and her brother sell a lot of aircraft parts, every now and then something for a Taylorcraft. Nice people. Maybe someone can use this one as a model for one of our.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Shakespeare-Throttle-Assembly-White-Knob-Aeronca-Cessna-140-170-/261229402940?pt=Motors_Aviation_Parts_Gear&hash=item3cd27c5b3c

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Original throttle cable

It is very close except for the friction knob. There are two diameters, one an inch and the other an inch and a quarter. I have both and the inch and a quarter is just big enough to rub on the bottom of the panel. The one on ebay looks to have teh 1nch and a quarter.
The drawings I can do could show both. I have all the parts here now and can start some sketches as soon as I find my thread pitch gauge. I will take photos of all the parts too. If we can make some of the wear parts we should be able to repair most of the ones out there. The cable and engine end piece would be a problem.

Hank

[Laz]

Re: Original throttle cable

The problem with all of these cables is not the length. The shaft needs to be threaded extra long to allow for the 2" spacer required on the BC-12D. with out that spacer the throttle will be to close to the panel. If you have a pre war the 180 cable and the spruce cable are fine. If you have a BC12D you have a problem.

[flybikefarm]

Re: Original throttle cable

This it?

[waltermrich]

Re: Original throttle cable

On an annual done 2 years ago I installed a Cessna 180 throttle cable on my BC12D from Mcfarlane , with the help of my kind and good hearted A&P who has since quit the aircraft business because of health. It works very nicely but I remember having to put an AN fitting on to attach it to my carburator, throttle.

[M Towsley]

Re: Original throttle cable

That should be the one, George, he is looking for.