db8

db8

Well Known Member
After reading many posts and some problems with the green cables provided by Vans, I did some research and found some info that I think is worth sharing. I really don't want to have to go through what Paul Dye did on one of his control cable replacements on his RV-8, because it sounded like a PITA.

The green cables that Vans sells are made by Cablecraft. They are excellent cables, but are specifically designed for industrial usage, not aircraft
use (they even say not for aircraft use). They are designed for low heat applications, and will gum up under too much heat.

The Cablecraft cables (Tuthill) that I recommend (and so does the company after chatting with them in much detail) are designed for aircraft and are blue in color. They use the same technology as used in cables for the F-15, 737, 787 and U-2. They are designed for a higher heat application, the PTFE core on the conduit can handle over 200 degrees and minus 65 degree. The melting point is quite a bit higher than the green ones. Not that it matters, but they can be used in applications where oxygen is used and the seals can take a -5 pounds PSI Vacuum. I got this information because I asked why these are better, and this is what he said.

Other posts have discussed how they can't find anything with the two inch throw. They can be ordered no problem on their web-site
(http://shop.tuthill.com). I have ordered all three and like them very much. I am not flying yet though. The ones I ordered for the RV-8 are the 580-700-TT-2. I varied the lengths to what I needed, but a buddy got the stock lengths. They are a little more ($120.00) than Vans ($70 or less), but I feel they are well worth it.

I am only writing this because I wish someone else did before me --would have saved a lot of research. I am in no way profiting or making a penny on this, just passing along an opinion, which I appreciate when others do. I also don't know if the Vans Venier & push-pull panel mount cables are of the same green cable like the RV-8/4/3? Just something to consider (as if there isn't enough to consider on our projects).
 
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Really great info David - thanks for the research!

I happen to have one of the Van's standard units on hand as a spare...which, of course, means that I will never again have a cable failure that requires me to use it, or "allows" me to upgrade to the newer ones! ;)

Paul
 
Thanks for the effort!

Thanks David,

This is just the kind of thing that makes the VAF forum so useful. Your research efforts and findings are a huge asset to everyone,

Good on you!
 
DAVID WHAT ENGINE AND PROP SET UP DO YOU HAVE? TRYING TO FIGURE WHAT LENGTH CABLES I NEED. I HAVE IO360M1B WITH FORWARD FACING SILVERHAWK FUEL INJ AND HARTZELL CS PROP AND REAR GOV. AND DID YOU USE THE STANDARD HOLE LOCATIONS IN FIREWALL? I WAS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COME UP WITH A BETTER CABLE. THANKS FOR DOING THE RESEARCH.
 
Config

Hey Mike. I am using an IO-360 parallel valve with horizontal induction (Superior sump) and a Bendix RSA-5 fuel injection servo. A buddy has the same set-up with the Airflow Performance fuel injection system. He ordered the same lengths as Vans calls for (because he had the green ones installed and wanted to switch to the blue and leave the same length -- he has not flown yet either). He drilled the firewall penetration points as per Vans plans.

I, on the other hand, put them in a triangle favoring the outer side of the firewall, because I needed the other space for something else. The throttle and mixture lengths specified by Vans were good, but I shortened the length of the prop line.

I would put the holes where they work for you (or like the plans say), then get a thicker wire and run it through the holes to get a good length. I would definitely favor long than too short (add an inch or two to what you think). There needs to be some play. Hope that helps. Dave
 
DAVID I DON'T SEE A 580-700-TT-2 LISTED ON THE WED SITE ONLY A -3 DO YOU HAVE TO SPECIAL ORDER THE -2 I THINK THIS IS THE THROW LENGTH. IS THE STANDARD VANS CABLE 2 IN THROW? WANT TO MAKE SURE I ORDER THE RIGHT ONES I WAS THINKING 60" THROTTLE 52.5 MIXTURE AND NOT SURE ON PROP GOV SOME SAY 48 SOME SAY 55 HAVE NOT DRILLED HOLES IN FIREWALL YET SO CANNOT MEASURE.
 
Info.

Mike. My lengths were Throttle-60", Prop-57", and Mixture-54". My Prop length in longer, but I needed it that way for my application.

It will work to add the -2 at the end for the throw when ordering. That's what Vans cables are and they are familiar. The name of the guy who I chatted with was Stacey Smith, Technical Sales, Military & Ordnance Specialist - Performance Products Tuthill Corporation, 253-671-3215 Direct Line, 253-651-2871 Cell Phone. He might not appreciate me posting his info, but he is a heck of a nice guy and he knows all the ins and outs of these control cables. If you're seriously looking at getting these cables, I'd call him -- make them earn their money. He didn't mind chatting with me (at least I don't think so -- several times), so I'm sure he won't mind chatting with anybody else.
 
What series

What series of the green cables are we discussing here? I ordered 1 cable for trial fit - and received a 184 series cable, or the 'LF' cable. This cable per cablecraft specs is rated to 310F, and has a PTFE innermember.

The 183, 184, and 185 are LF (rated to 310F w/PTFE). The 313, 314, and 315 sereis are LF EXT (rated to 230F) Both series are green.
 
for quadrant

Will any of the Tutlill work with a htrottle quadrant? Part number?


Thanks for the headsup on the alternative cables.

Bevan
 
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