OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics Chrome Amal-type remote throttle control question

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.

Hi VM,
probably easier to make your own, plenty of ways to pour your own one to suit out of lead. Google up how to make cable ends should get you ways to do it. Drill a hole in a piece of wood the diameter you need, then drill a cable diameter hole into the center of the bigger hole, clean the cable with a bit of spirits, poke the cable through the cable hole you drilled in the wood, give the cable a bit of a tease so it flares a bit, then pour a bit of lead in the bigger hole you drilled, wait for it to cool, break the wood away and there you have your cable end

G'day Vm,

First you would need to know all the specs ,inner length, outer length etc to get one online
and then trust the seller is telling you the correct information.

It's easier if you have an old cable to get one made at a bowden cable manufacturer.

Lots of places make them in Australia.

On some old mowers I've used a bike cable and just brazed one end and ground it down.

Silver solder would work well.

I have had some success just using normal solder but it can break off.

You can shorten down car fuel cap door release cables and boot release cables etc.

If you want a perfect cable get one made at a shop and if you want a cheap one modify a new one from
something else.

If you don't have an old cable to get the sizes you could take the carby and throttle control to the shop
and just tell them what length you want the black outer cable.

I've never had problems with these bowden cables ,apart from them breaking when they are worn out.

Cheers
Max.

Thanks for the advice Max and Norm. Yes it is the ferrules that are the problem, plus finding a cable stop cap that is big enough and strong enough to stop the cable popping out when you push down on the lever. I've since learnt that as these throttle controls are made for vintage motorcycles, namely BSA, Triumph, and Norton, if I buy a cable for one of those bikes it will fit, perhaps with some alteration on the carby side. I have been buying universal lawnmower cables, which is why I have been having so many problems with things not fitting right. Max, that first ad you showed won't fit. I know because I bought one one time and it would only fit if I cut the lead piece down, and then I couldn't get it to stay in the control because the stop ferrule was not right either. The other two you showed might work though.

Also, I don't know of any shops that still fit throttle cables for customers. I have asked in a few lawnmower and motorbike shops locally and they just shrug and tell me to buy the modern universal plastic ones, already fitted in the packet. I am sure they would have even less of an idea about how to fit these old Amal cables than I have. So if you can suggest such a shop by name and address, I would be very grateful. I've searched online but no luck.

Incidentally, I knew a bloke years ago who was a top mechanic who could engineer almost anything in his backyard workshop, but he always said "Don't ever bring me a throttle cable!" He could do most things but he considered throttle cables the work of the devil. He hated them with a passion. He would not even try to fit or repair one, but always left that job to a friend of his who apparently did have the knack of fitting them.

I often had to make my own cables when I was working on the old Enfields

How about this place? Conwire

Danny

Yeah ,they are quick to make ,I've made car speedo cables for $!0.
and if you buy a made up one they can charge $150. at spare parts shops

Also made motor bike cables and mower cables.



I don't know exactly where you live VM so just did a quick search on cables in QLD,
so there could be some other cables like electric below etc.

https://controlconnections.com.au/about/

Cables 2 You
Address: 2/37-39 McLachlan St, Brendale QLD 4500
Website: cables2you.com.au

Cable Logic
Address: 8/6 Cessna Drive, Caboolture QLD 4510
Website: cablelogic.com.au



Queensland Wire Industries
Address: 14-16 Linde Street, Slacks Creek QLD 4127
Website: qwi.com.au

Lloyds of Cairns
Address: 25 Spence Street, Cairns QLD 4870
Website: lloydsofcairns.com.au



Cable Connectors
Address: 20/58 Daintree Drive, Redlands, QLD 4165
Website: cableconnectors.com.au
Specializes in automotive cables, Bowden cables, and other custom cable solutions.

Cables & Chains
Address: 30 Boundary Road, Darra, QLD 4076
Website: cablesandchains.com.au
Offers a variety of cable products, including Bowden cables for different applications.

The Cable Company
Address: 1155 Boundary Rd, Wacol, QLD 4076
Website: thecablecompany.com.au
Specializes in manufacturing and supplying various types of cables including Bowden cables.

Queensland Cables & Accessories
Address: 5/9-11 Murray St, Yatala QLD 4207
Website: qldcables.com.au
Provides various cable products, including custom Bowden cables.

Bendigo Cables
Address: 18/20 Brendale Dr, Brendale, QLD 4500
Website: bendigo-cables.com.au
Manufactures a range of cables, including Bowden cables for different industries.

Cablemakers Brisbane. 340 Thynne Road Morningside Brisbane QLD 4170. (07) 3177 1733 · brisbane@cablemakers.com.au.

Control Connections

129 Rainbow St, Sandgate QLD 4017



Aussie Cable Solutions
Address: 40 Neumann Rd, Capalaba QLD 4157
Website: aussiecablesolutions.com.au

Genuine Cable Company
Address: Unit 2/15 Diction Ave, Delan QLD 4871
Website: genuinecable.com.au

Cables & Tensioning Solutions
Address: Unit 1/14 Candoo St, Slacks Creek QLD 4127
Website: cablesandtensioningsolutions.com.au

Bowden Cable & Hose Co
Address: 1/10-12 Antimony St, Carole Park QLD 4300
Website: bowdencables.com.au

Auscable
Address: 45 Thompson St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Website: auscable.com.au

A speedometer repairer should also know who makes cables in the area.

https://www.ottoinstruments.com.au/

I just received a universal cable ,cost $2.31 with free post.

Hi Max
Yes those cables are good and cheap but you still have to solder an end on them because the adjustable ends they come with are way to big to use on anything but clutch and brake levers

G'day Norm,

Yep a few old cables have a very small brass bit that fits on the cable end to lift the slide in the carby so you just desolder it and
solder it to the new cable.