How much slack in throttle cable sheath?

[johnpaul44]

Hello,

I recently installed new throttle and mixture cables. These cables are direct from vans for the RV6A with O-360 engine (ACS cables).

My question is how much "slack" is needed in the cable from the panel mount to the engine mount? I setup the throttle cable so i have full range of throttle settings but im wondering when the engine shakes around im assuming its pulling on the cable slightly? maybe im overthinking it see video and photos below:

I called ACS to ask this question and they had no idea.

https://imgur.com/a/JaM9gik (Video)

https://imgur.com/a/v6iIK9Y (Photo)

 

[D-Dubya]

Looking at your video, the vibration at that point will mostly be left & right when viewed from the pilot seat. Watch some videos of engine starts and see how much an engine shakes. Keep in mind that the amount of motion is relative from the center of rotation. That is, the movement at the throttle attach point is less than it would be at the valve cover. Without taking measurements during start up (this would be an exercise in itself), I'd guess 1/2" of movement either way would be adequate to prevent binding.

Just out of curiosity, the cable isn't going to slip in and out of the firewall pass-through, is it? I'm assuming it's just loose like that while you're figuring things out.

 

[wawrzynskivp]

Have to have a (little)

True, most of your motion on your engine specifically on startup and shutdown will be about the crank.

But, when the engine is at rest it will sag in its mounts and when at full power it will lift a little. Turbulence will also see the engine rise and fall owing to its mass. This motion will push/pull on the throttle casing (a little).

The give of your firewall penetration (slip) and any amount of curve behind the firewall is probably fine to accommodate.

I have nearly a straight shot of my entire cable owing to a center console throttle location with perhaps 3 deg of s-curve from the knob to the firewall and have seen no indication of tension problems.

 

[rvbuilder2002]

Hello,

I recently installed new throttle and mixture cables. These cables are direct from vans for the RV6A with O-360 engine (ACS cables).

My question is how much "slack" is needed in the cable from the panel mount to the engine mount? I setup the throttle cable so i have full range of throttle settings but im wondering when the engine shakes around im assuming its pulling on the cable slightly? maybe im overthinking it see video and photos below:

I called ACS to ask this question and they had no idea.

https://imgur.com/a/JaM9gik (Video)

https://imgur.com/a/v6iIK9Y (Photo)

Just as a point of reference…
You mentioned that the cables are direct from vans meaning they are a standard supply part, but your installation is not standard ( cable is mounted to a plate that is flush with the face of the instrument panel).
That in itself, makes the standard length not necessarily fit as intended.