Engine Control Systems
Shop engine control systems, upgrades and replacement parts at West Marine.
If you need a few replacement parts for your boat’s mechanical engine controls, you are at the right place. Similarly, if you are looking to replace your existing engine controls or are thinking of upgrading from mechanical to electronic engine control, you are on the right page.
Mechanical Engine Controls
Mechanical controls are used to push or pull engine control cables connected to an engine’s throttle or shift lever. Single function control heads operate either the throttle or shift while dual-function controls can do both with one lever. Twin engine control is often managed by two single-function levers—one for both throttles and one for both shifts.
A top-mount control is a popular choice for smooth ergonomics while controlling engine functions with two levers. Side mount controls typically feature one lever that controls both the throttle and shift.
West Marine offers single- and dual-function engine controls by Seastar Solutions and UFLEX USA.
For more about mechanical engine controls, please read out West Advisor article Selecting Mechanical Engine Controls.
Engine Control Cables
Engine control cables connect your engine to your mechanical controls. When determining a cable’s run from the control to your engine, select a path that minimizes the number of bends (or the total degrees of the bends added together) in order to reduce friction and maximize cable efficiency. Look for control cables that are compatible with your engine.
System Upgrade: Electronic Engine Controls
Electronic engine controls, such as Seastar Solution’s KE-4+ systems make controlling engines easy by eliminating long cable runs between the control and the engine. A basic system consists of a control head wired to a control unit that sends a signal to an actuator located close to the engine. It is the actuator that pushes or pulls on the shift and throttle lever of the engine. These systems can be purchased in kits with everything you need for an easy install and are compatible with mechanically controlled gas and diesel inboards, sterndrives and outboards.
Electronic Control of Engine Room Ventilation
West Marine offers a variety of systems for remote control of engine room cooling fans. Using data from precise sensors, these systems ensure that engine room temperature does not exceed the engine manufacturer’s specification. Systems include an interface for an emergency shutdown switch. Different systems are offered for electronic remote control of multiple 12V, 24V and 120V fans.
Engine Control System Replacement Parts
Whether you need a clutch and throttle replacement kit, a ball joint kit, a cable connection kit, a new control head—or any of a myriad of other engine control replacement parts, West Marine most likely has what you need.