Hi, I wasn't sure where I should post this. Possibly belongs in engines or frames, but it is a fairly general question, so maybe here.
Can anyone suggest the correct cable for using in these old style Amal remote throttle controls. I did contact an online seller and he claims he has sold these controls for over 19 years and I am the first who has ever reported any problems with sourcing the correct cable for them or reporting any problems with them. He tells me they are "universal", so accept universal cables.
I beg to differ.
They require a specific kind of circular connector inside and unless everything fits together perfectly they will not work. I have on occasion become so frustrated with these controls I have in fact broken them inadvertently. They are only soft alloy coated with chrome. I have enormous problems with them. For instance, if the cable ends are not held firm enough they push out, or the cable fails completely by pulling out of its lead insert. That is if you can find the right cable and connectors to begin with, which I never can. All I know is they are anything but "universal" in design. They are actually quite specific about what kind of cable and connectors you need. Surely after 19 years or so - make that 50-60 years - of these kinds of controls being on the market, someone has come up with a cable that can simply be slotted inside for a snug fit. So you do up the main screw on on the control lever and Bob's your uncle. It will last a lifetime. Sadly I have yet to find that elusive cable. Maybe it is just me and my bad luck. Hopefully someone can direct me to the right cable specific for these throttle controls.
The interesting thing is I have never once seen these new aftermarket controls being sold with the cables already installed in them for convenience. Perhaps that is telling us something?
I only use them on vintage machines because they look the part, but for more modern equipment I would much prefer the modern Rover or Briggs and Stratton levers, which are more user friendly and can simply be slotted into place and away you go. Those are also prone to failure of course, but are not nearly as finicky as the old style chrome ones.
