Guess how many runs I got before this happened...

[LuckyDuc]

Well... After 168 runs on my UL-1 (Over 250 miles) my flex cable broke. I should have checked the teflon tube before now, but alas I didn't.
The cable broke inside the stuffing tube because the tubing wrapped itself around the cable like a screw.
It wasn't due to a lack of greasing, as I greased the cable every 3 runs. It looks like the teflon tube wore thin from use and bound itself around the cable.

For those of you approaching 100 runs, CHECK THAT TEFLON TUBE FOR WEAR.

[rightturnonly]

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigpapa]

boat ok

[LuckyDuc]

Seems to be. I'll inspect the stuffing tube better tomorrow.

[Camman]

Re: teflon

Sorry to hear that
Tell you the truth
I have over a dozen boats & none have teflon
did it mess the boat up & stuffing tube ?

[jingalls007]

take out that teflon duc, get yourself a .187 cable and you'll never have to worry about melted teflon. you'll free up some RPM's too.

[bigpapa]

good luck hope all is ok

[LuckyDuc]

Some of you are not using Teflon tubes at all?!?
I wonder why they included it if they are not necessary and cause excess friction

[Camman]

teflon tube

If I ever got a boat with it in there I always have taken it out. Most of my boats built by myself
I am not sure why manufacturers use it other than to make sure not to have any possible chatter from metal to metal bouncing but if you use a good grease in it
you won't have any, or atleast I have never had any in mine nor did my Dad when I was just a kid
Perhaps others will know why they use it

[AndyKunz]

Skip the Teflon completely. Use brass tubing that's the right size for your cable/wire/shaft.

Andy

[Capt. Crash]

take out that teflon duc, get yourself a .187 cable and you'll never have to worry about melted teflon. you'll free up some RPM's too.

Will the .187 cable fit the stock coupler, strut bearing, props, etc?

[longballlumber]

Will the .187 cable fit the stock coupler, strut bearing, props, etc?

Crash,

If you switch to .187 cable, you will need a new coupler for the increased cable size. Everything else will be fine.

Mike