Multiflex EC-036 Mercury / Mercruiser Generation II Style Engine Control Cable

The Multiflex EC-036 Mercury Generation II Engine Control Cable is a standard mechanical throttle or gear-shift cable for compatible Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II remote controls. It provides 90mm travel through a 7mm conduit and uses a 1.9mm stainless-steel solid-wire inner with 10-32 UNF threaded ends.

Multiflex cross-references the EC-036 to SeaStar CC189 and Ultraflex C36. It is the standard counterpart to the low-friction EEC-036 EDGE cable.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model / cable family: EC-036
• Part-number format: EC-036-XX
• Length code: XX identifies the nominal cable length in feet
• Product category: Mechanical marine engine control cable
• Cable construction: Standard push-pull control cable
• Primary application: Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II throttle and shift systems
• Control functions: Throttle and gear shift
• Published cable travel: 90mm
• Conduit: 7.0mm
• Inner member: 1.9mm lubricated stainless-steel solid wire
• Cable-end thread: 10-32 UNF
• Minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 200mm
• SeaStar / Morse cross-reference: CC189
• Ultraflex cross-reference: C36
• Cable quantity: One cable
• Remote control included: No
• Engine-side mounting hardware included: Not itemised unless expressly stated
• Maximum push / pull load: Not published
• Overall cable weight: Not published
• Outer jacket: Black, with published resistance to UV, petrol, fluids and common chemicals
• End-fitting material: Stainless steel or brass depending on cable type

What Is the Multiflex EC-036 Used For?

The EC-036 transfers mechanical push-pull movement between a compatible remote control and the connected engine or gearbox linkage. The cable does not create movement itself; it transmits the movement generated by the control lever.

It can form part of a correctly specified:

• Mercury Generation II throttle control
• Mercury Generation II gear-shift control
• MerCruiser throttle or shift installation
• Replacement CC189 or C36 cable installation

What Is Included?

The cable includes its fixed Generation II end components. Separate retaining clips, adapters and mounting hardware are not universally itemised.

• 1 x Multiflex EC-036-XX cable in the selected length

What Is Not Included?

Not included unless expressly stated:

• Remote control lever or control box
• A second throttle or shift cable
• Engine throttle lever or gearbox selector lever
• Cable outer-casing clamp or structural support bracket
• Cable-end eye, clevis, pivot or ball joint unless shown as part of the cable
• Engine-specific adapter, retaining clip, pin, nut or washer
• Electrical start-in-gear or neutral-safety components
• Steering helm, steering wheel or steering cable

Which Engines and Control Systems Are Compatible?

Multiflex publishes the EC-036 for Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II throttle and shift systems. The cable should be selected by its complete end-fitting pattern and required travel, not from engine brand alone.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Mercury Generation II remote controls
• MerCruiser Generation II systems
• Systems currently using CC189 or C36 cable ends
• The complete cable family marked on the removed cable
• Both control-head and engine-side end fittings
• Required cable travel and lever movement
• Push-to-open or pull-to-open operation
• Cable routing length and available bend radius
• Any engine-specific clip, adapter or retaining hardware

Can the Cable Be Used for Both Throttle and Gear Shift?

Yes. Multiflex identifies the EC-036 for both throttle and gear-shift duty where the control and engine use the same cable-end family and the published travel is suitable.

A conventional single-engine dual-action remote control usually requires two cables: one throttle cable and one shift cable. Each cable must be ordered separately unless the seller expressly states that a pair is supplied.

How Many Cables Are Required?

This listing supplies one cable. The required quantity depends on the control system.

• One cable for one mechanical control circuit
• Two cables for a typical single-engine throttle-and-shift installation
• Four cables for a typical twin-engine throttle-and-shift installation
• Additional cables where a correctly engineered dual-station or specialist control system requires them

What Does the XX Suffix Mean?

In the part number EC-036-XX, XX identifies the nominal cable length in feet. For example, EC-036-12 identifies a nominal 12ft cable.

The suffix does not identify the cable travel, engine application or end-fitting family. Those are determined by the model code before the suffix.

How Is the Correct Cable Length Selected?

For a new engine-control installation, Multiflex instructs users to measure the routed distance from the control head to the throttle or clutch/shift connection, round the total up to the next whole foot and, for an outboard installation, add approximately 3ft to allow for engine movement.

For replacement work, the most reliable starting point is the model and length printed on the existing cable. Compare both end fittings before ordering because two cables of the same length can use different engine-specific terminals.

• Measure the intended routed path rather than a straight-line hull dimension
• Allow for gradual curves and service access
• Avoid unnecessary loops
• For outboards, check cable movement through full steering and tilt travel
• Round up to the next available whole-foot length rather than selecting a cable that is too short

What Does Cable Travel Mean?

The published travel for the EC-036 is 90mm. Travel is the usable linear movement of the cable inner between its two operating limits.

The selected cable must provide enough movement for the remote control and engine linkage without bottoming out, overtravelling or leaving incomplete gear engagement or throttle movement. A matching cable length does not compensate for incorrect travel.

What Is the Minimum Bend Radius?

The published minimum bend radius is 8in / approximately 200mm. The cable must not be routed around a tighter curve.

Larger, gentler bends and fewer changes of direction reduce friction and improve service life. The minimum figure is a limit, not a target routing radius.

How Does the EC-036 Differ From the EEC-036?

• EC-036: Standard construction with lubricated solid-wire inner and larger minimum bend radius
• EEC-036: EDGE construction with coated inner, reduced friction and tighter minimum bend radius
• The end-fitting family may be related, but travel, conduit diameter, routing and control geometry must be confirmed
• A standard cable and an EDGE cable should not be mixed in a paired throttle-and-shift system without confirming consistent operation

Do the Published Cross-References Guarantee Direct Fitment?

No. Multiflex cross-references the EC-036 to CC189 and C36, but its cross-reference chart states that the information is for reference and users must confirm interchangeability before installation.

Direct replacement depends on both end fittings, usable travel, length, conduit routing, retaining hardware and the control or engine generation.

What Are the Cable Dimensions?

Multiflex publishes the conduit dimension as 7.0mm and the inner construction as 1.9mm lubricated stainless-steel solid wire. Overall length varies with the selected XX suffix.

Unless separately stated by Multiflex, the following dimensions are not published:

• Overall end-to-end length tolerance
• Control-end terminal dimensions
• Engine-end terminal dimensions
• Bulkhead or clamp-hub thread dimensions
• Exposed rod length
• Terminal-eye or clevis dimensions
• Cable weight by length
• Maximum push and pull working load

Does the Cable Include the End Fittings and Mounting Hardware?

The cable is supplied as a complete cable assembly with its model-specific fixed end components. Multiflex does not provide a universal loose-parts list for every retail length and market.

Do not assume that separate pins, clips, cable clamps, ball joints, clevises, terminal eyes, engine brackets or control-box adapters are included unless the seller expressly identifies them.

Can This Cable Be Used as a Steering Cable?

No. The EC-036 is an engine control cable. It is not a rotary steering cable, rack-and-pinion steering cable, hydraulic hose or steering link arm.

Engine control cables and steering cables use different load cases, end fittings, retaining methods and safety requirements.

Is a Maximum Working Load Published?

No numerical maximum push load, pull load or fatigue rating is published on the current product page. The complete control system must be selected according to the engine or gearbox operating force, control-lever geometry, cable route, cable length and the rating of the lowest-rated component.

Is the EC-036 a Mercury Generation I Cable?

No. Generation I Mercury and MerCruiser controls normally use EC-005 or EEC-005 where specified. The two cable families should not be interchanged without matching both end fittings.

Construction and Design

• Multiflex EC-036 mechanical engine control cable
• Standard cable construction
• Published for Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II throttle and shift systems
• Suitable for Throttle and gear shift
• Published travel: 90mm
• Conduit: 7.0mm
• Inner: 1.9mm lubricated stainless-steel solid wire
• Cable-end thread: 10-32 UNF
• Minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 200mm
• SeaStar / Morse reference: CC189
• Ultraflex reference: C36
• Length identified by the XX suffix in feet
• One cable supplied per selected part number
• Control head supplied separately
• Engine-specific loose mounting hardware not universally itemised
• Maximum working load not published
• High-performance lubricated stainless-steel inner
• Stainless-steel or brass fittings depending on cable type
• Black UV-, petrol-, fluid- and chemical-resistant outer jacket

Installation and Safety

Engine throttle, shift and shut-off controls are safety-critical. Installation and adjustment should be completed by a competent marine technician using the current Multiflex, remote-control, engine and gearbox instructions.

• Confirm that the cable family is EC-036
• Read the model and length from the removed cable where possible
• Compare both cable ends before ordering
• Confirm the remote-control and engine/gearbox generation
• Verify the required cable travel
• Confirm push-to-open or pull-to-open operation
• Measure the routed cable length accurately
• Allow additional length for outboard movement where required
• Maintain at least the published minimum bend radius of 8in / approximately 200mm
• Use the fewest and largest-radius bends practical
• Keep the cable clear of exhaust components, sharp edges and moving machinery
• Support the cable outer without crushing or kinking the conduit
• Do not clamp the moving rod
• Install the correct terminal pin, clip, nut or adapter
• Set the throttle and control to idle before final throttle adjustment
• Set the control and gearbox to neutral before final shift adjustment
• Confirm full forward, neutral and reverse engagement where used for shifting
• Confirm complete idle-to-full-throttle movement where used for throttle
• Ensure the cable does not bottom out before the engine or gearbox reaches its stop
• Check that no surrounding structure loads the cable ends sideways
• Recheck all retainers and clamps after the initial operating test
• Replace a cable that is stiff, corroded, abraded, kinked or has reduced usable travel
• Do not shorten, weld, straighten, dismantle or internally lubricate the cable unless Multiflex publishes an approved procedure
• Do not operate the vessel if gear selection, throttle return or engine-stop operation is uncertain

Maintenance

Inspect the complete cable route, end fittings and retaining hardware periodically. A gradual increase in operating effort, lost travel, damaged conduit or corrosion indicates that the cable or related linkage requires attention.

• Keep the cable ends and external linkage clean
• Inspect terminal pins, clips and nuts for wear or looseness
• Check the outer jacket for abrasion, cracking, heat damage or crushing
• Confirm the control returns correctly to idle and neutral
• Replace the complete cable rather than attempting an internal repair
• Recheck the cable after any engine, gearbox or control-head service

Key Features

• Multiflex EC-036 control cable
• Standard construction
• Published for Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II throttle and shift systems
• Used for Throttle and gear shift
• Published travel: 90mm
• Conduit: 7.0mm
• Inner: 1.9mm lubricated stainless-steel solid wire
• Thread: 10-32 UNF
• Minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 200mm
• CC189 cross-reference
• C36 cross-reference
• Available in multiple foot lengths
• One cable supplied
• Control head and engine-specific loose hardware supplied separately
• Direct fit must be confirmed from both end fittings and travel
• Lubricated stainless-steel inner
• UV- and chemical-resistant black outer jacket

Specifications