Multiflex K14 Stainless Steel Ball Joint

The Multiflex K14 / LM-K-14 Control Cable Ball Joint is a threaded articulated terminal used to connect the moving 10-32 UNF rod of a compatible universal 3300 / 33C marine control cable to an engine throttle, gear-shift or other mechanical operating linkage. Supplier data identify compatibility with Multiflex EC-033 and EC-133 cables, with one Multiflex distributor also listing EC-133R. The spherical joint allows the cable and operating lever to move through a small angular range without forcing the cable rod sideways.

The K14 is not described as a quick-release fitting in the available product data. Supplier imagery depicts a conventional spherical rod-end arrangement with an integral threaded mounting stud and retaining nuts. This differs from the Multiflex K9, which uses a spring-loaded quick-release housing.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model / item code: K14
• Extended part reference: LM-K-14
• Alternative part formatting: LM-K14
• Product category: Engine control cable end fitting
• Product type: Articulated control-cable ball joint
• Alternative descriptions: Spherical joint terminal, threaded ball-joint terminal or control-cable rod end
• Control system: Mechanical push-pull cable
• Cable-side thread: 10-32 UNF female
• Cable format: Universal 3300 / 33C
• K14-specific supplier-listed cables: EC-033 and EC-133
• Additional distributor-listed cable: EC-133R
• EEC-133 EDGE compatibility: Not specifically stated for K14
• Cable capacity: One control cable
• Connection design: Spherical rod-end style joint
• Release mechanism: No quick-release mechanism documented
• Primary function: Connects the moving cable rod to a mechanical operating linkage
• Typical applications: Marine throttle, gear shift, reverse gear and other compatible push-pull controls
• Engine-side connection: Integral threaded mounting stud shown in supplier imagery
• Engine-side stud diameter: Not published
• Engine-side stud thread: Not published
• Housing material: Not published
• Stud material: Not published
• Finish: Not published
• Closest Ultraflex comparable product: L7 / 38078U
• Equivalent status: Comparable 10-32 UNF ball-joint fitting only; direct equivalence not confirmed
• Control cable included: No
• Cable outer clamp included: No
• Maximum working load: Not published

What Is the Multiflex K14 Used For?

The K14 forms the articulated connection between the moving threaded rod of a mechanical engine control cable and the throttle, shift, gearbox or other operating lever moved by that cable.

It can form part of a correctly specified:

• Gear-shift control installation
• Throttle-control installation
• Inboard engine control system
• Outboard engine control system
• Sterndrive control installation
• Gearbox selector connection
• Reverse-gear linkage
• Compatible choke or engine-stop control
• Replacement EC-033 cable installation
• Replacement EC-133 cable installation
• Supplier-approved EC-133R cable installation
• Compatible universal 3300 / 33C cable installation
• Other correctly rated marine push-pull control linkage

When the remote control is operated, the cable’s inner rod pushes or pulls the K14 body. The spherical joint transfers this linear movement to the operating lever while allowing the connection angle to change slightly as the lever moves through an arc. This helps reduce side loading at the cable rod and terminal.

What Is Included?

• 1 x Multiflex K14 / LM-K-14 control-cable ball-joint assembly

Supplier imagery depicts the K14 with a spherical rod-end housing, integral threaded mounting stud, inner retaining or adjustment nut and an outer locknut with a nylon locking insert.

No complete retail packaging schedule is published. The physical supply should therefore be checked before assuming that every loose nut, washer or retaining component shown in supplier imagery is included.

Not included unless expressly stated:

• Multiflex EC-033 control cable
• Multiflex EC-133 control cable
• Multiflex EC-133R control cable
• Multiflex EEC-133 EDGE control cable
• Remote control lever or control box
• Engine throttle lever
• Gearbox selector lever
• Cable outer-casing clamp
• Multiflex K3 cable clamp
• Structural cable-support bracket
• Separate cable locknut
• Installation-specific washers or spacers
• Additional linkage fasteners
• A second K14 ball joint
• Multiflex K9 quick-release ball joint
• Ultraflex L7 ball joint
• Steering cable
• Steering helm
• Hydraulic steering components
• Other engine-specific connection hardware

Which Control Cables Are Compatible?

K14-specific supplier data list:

• Multiflex EC-033
• Multiflex EC-133
• Multiflex EC-133R, according to one Multiflex distributor

Another current supplier describes the K14 more broadly for universal 3300 / 33C-type control cables with a matching 10-32 UNF threaded end.

Multiflex EC-033:

• Universal 3300 control cable
• Shift and throttle application
• 90mm travel
• 7.0mm conduit
• 1.9mm stainless-steel solid-wire inner
• 10-32 UNF end thread
• Minimum bend radius: 8in

Multiflex EC-133:

• Universal 3300 control cable
• Shift and throttle application
• 90mm travel
• 8.4mm conduit
• 1.9mm stainless-steel solid-wire inner
• 10-32 UNF end thread
• Minimum bend radius: 8in

Multiflex EC-133R:

• Universal 3300 control cable
• Shift and throttle application
• 90mm travel
• 7.0mm red conduit
• 1.9mm stainless-steel solid-wire inner
• 10-32 UNF end thread
• Minimum bend radius: 8in

A matching cable thread is necessary, but complete K14 fitment also depends on the engine-side stud, mounting-hole size, lever thickness, available articulation and cable travel.

Is the Multiflex EC-033 Compatible?

Yes. The EC-033 is specifically associated with the K14 in supplier data.

The EC-033 has a 10-32 UNF threaded end, 90mm travel, a 7.0mm conduit and a 1.9mm stainless-steel solid-wire inner. Before installation, confirm that the engine or gearbox linkage accepts the K14’s engine-side mounting arrangement.

Is the Multiflex EC-133 Compatible?

Yes. The EC-133 is specifically associated with the K14 in supplier data.

The EC-133 has the same 10-32 UNF end thread and 90mm travel as the EC-033, but it uses an 8.4mm conduit. The cable outer must be supported by a suitable clamp or control-box mounting arrangement independently of the K14 terminal.

Is the Multiflex EC-133R Compatible?

One Multiflex distributor specifically lists the K14 for the EC-133R series.

The EC-133R is a universal 3300 cable with a 10-32 UNF end thread, 90mm travel and a 7.0mm red conduit. Although its thread matches the K14, verify the complete cable-end geometry and operating linkage before installation.

Is the Multiflex EEC-133 EDGE Cable Compatible?

The current K14-specific supplier information reviewed does not expressly name the EEC-133 EDGE cable.

The EEC-133 is a universal 3300-series cable with:

• 90mm travel
• 8.6mm EDGE conduit
• 2.75mm coated inner
• 10-32 UNF end thread
• 4in minimum bend radius

The shared 10-32 UNF thread makes compatibility possible, but it does not prove complete fitment. Confirm the threaded engagement, linkage geometry, engine-side stud, available articulation and required operating load before using the K14 with an EEC-133 cable.

Is the K14 Suitable for Universal 33C / 3300 Control Cables?

The K14 is supplier-described for compatible universal 3300 / 33C control cables with a matching 10-32 UNF threaded end.

Before fitting it to another brand of 33C-style cable, confirm:

• 10-32 UNF male cable-end thread
• Sufficient usable thread length
• Correct thread engagement
• Engine-side mounting-hole diameter
• Required engine-side stud thread
• Operating-lever thickness
• Available joint articulation
• Cable travel
• Push-pull operating load
• Clearance around the spherical joint
• Correct cable outer-casing restraint

A matching 10-32 UNF thread alone does not guarantee complete compatibility. The K14 does not convert an incompatible cable, control box or engine linkage into a universal installation.

How Does the K14 Ball Joint Work?

1. The K14’s 10-32 UNF female body is screwed onto the moving threaded rod of the control cable.
2. The threaded mounting stud is positioned through the compatible engine, gearbox or control-lever mounting hole.
3. The stud is retained using the correct nuts, washers or other specified mounting hardware.
4. Cable length or thread engagement is adjusted to establish the correct neutral, idle or rest position.
5. When the cable pushes or pulls, the K14 transfers the movement to the operating lever.
6. The spherical joint changes angle as the lever moves through its arc.
7. The complete control is tested from stop to stop to confirm free movement.

No K14-specific tightening torque, minimum cable-thread engagement or engine-side stud torque is published in the sources reviewed. Use the instructions for the cable, engine, gearbox and operating linkage.

What Thread Does the K14 Use?

• Cable-side thread: 10-32 UNF
• Thread orientation: Female / internal
• Compatible cable end: Matching 10-32 UNF male threaded rod
• Metric cable compatibility: No, unless a manufacturer-approved adaptor is used

What Size Is the Engine-Side Mounting Stud?

The available K14 product information does not publish:

• Stud outside diameter
• Stud thread form
• Stud thread pitch
• Usable stud length
• Maximum lever thickness
• Ball diameter
• Required mounting-hole diameter
• Installation torque

Do not assume that the K14 uses the same 6mm stud as the Multiflex K9, Ultraflex L7 or another 33C ball-joint fitting. The engine-side stud and mounting point must be physically checked before ordering or installation.

Is the K14 a Quick-Release Ball Joint?

No quick-release function is documented for the K14 in the available product descriptions.

The K14 is shown as a conventional spherical rod-end terminal with a threaded mounting stud. Removing it from the engine-side lever would normally require releasing the retaining hardware rather than retracting a spring-loaded sleeve.

The Multiflex K9 is a different design with a spring-loaded quick-release housing and a published 6mm detachable ball stud. Those K9 characteristics must not be assigned to the K14.

How Does the K14 Differ From the Multiflex K9?

Multiflex K14:

• Conventional spherical rod-end style terminal
• 10-32 UNF female cable connection
• Integral threaded engine-side mounting stud shown in supplier imagery
• No quick-release mechanism documented
• Supplier-listed for EC-033 and EC-133
• Distributor-listed for EC-133R
• Housing material not published
• Engine-side stud size not published
• Overall dimensions not published

Multiflex K9:

• Spring-loaded quick-release ball joint
• 10-32 UNF female cable connection
• Published 6mm detachable ball stud
• Housing slides back to release the stud
• 300 Series stainless-steel housing
• Polished finish
• Officially listed for EC-033 and EC-133
• Overall dimensions not published

Both products connect universal control cables to mechanical linkages, but their engine-side connection and release arrangements differ. They should not be treated as interchangeable solely because both use a 10-32 UNF cable thread.

Is the Ultraflex L7 a Direct Equivalent to the Multiflex K14?

No formal Multiflex-to-Ultraflex cross-reference has been verified for the K14.

The Ultraflex L7 / 38078U is a comparable control-cable ball joint because it has:

• 10-32 UNF cable thread
• Stainless-steel construction
• Compatibility with Ultraflex C2, C8 and MACHZero cables
• Compatibility with compatible 33C-style control cables
• Spherical cable-to-linkage connection

However, supplier information describes the L7 as a quick-release fitting with a separable ball stud, while the K14 is depicted as a conventional spherical rod-end with an integral through stud. The K14 material, stud size and dimensions are also unpublished.

Treat the L7 as a comparable 10-32 UNF ball-joint product, not as an automatically interchangeable replacement.

Can Ultraflex L7 Specifications Be Applied to the K14?

No. Do not assign the Ultraflex part number 38078U, stainless-steel construction, quick-release socket design, cable compatibility, stud dimensions, housing dimensions or installation hardware to the K14.

Only the common 10-32 UNF cable-thread format can be established from the available product data.

Does the K14 Secure the Cable Outer Casing?

No. The K14 attaches to the moving inner cable rod.

The stationary cable outer casing must be secured independently using:

• A compatible cable clamp
• A remote-control-box retaining arrangement
• An engine-side mounting bracket
• A gearbox-side cable support
• Another manufacturer-approved outer-casing restraint

The cable outer must remain stationary so movement of the inner rod is transferred accurately through the K14 to the operating lever.

What Material Is the K14 Made From?

The K14 material is not stated in the product descriptions reviewed.

Supplier imagery shows a metallic component, but an image is not sufficient to establish the steel grade, stainless-steel grade, plating specification, surface treatment, corrosion-test standard, ball-race material or bearing-liner material.

The K14 should therefore be described as a control-cable ball joint without claiming stainless-steel, plated-steel or aluminium construction unless a current Multiflex technical document confirms the material.

What Are the K14 Dimensions?

The available product data do not publish:

• Overall length
• Overall body width
• Body thickness
• Cable-end thread depth
• Distance from cable end to ball centre
• Ball outside diameter
• Engine-side stud diameter
• Engine-side stud thread
• Engine-side stud length
• Maximum lever thickness
• Maximum articulation angle
• Product weight

Where installation clearance is restricted, compare the physical K14 with the existing fitting or obtain a current dimensional drawing before ordering.

Does the K14 Connect One or Two Control Cables?

The K14 connects one control cable to one operating linkage. A typical engine installation with separate throttle and gear-shift cables may require one suitable terminal fitting for each cable.

Is the Mounting Stud and Hardware Included?

Supplier imagery shows the K14 as an assembly with an integral threaded mounting stud and retaining nuts. However, no formal retail packaging list confirms every included component.

Do not assume that an additional flat washer, spring washer, spacer, separate cable locknut, replacement nyloc nut, split pin, secondary retainer, engine-specific adaptor or linkage bracket is supplied unless confirmed by the seller.

Can the K14 Be Used with Steering Cables?

No. The K14 is an engine and push-pull control-cable terminal. It is not intended for rotary steering cables, rack-and-pinion steering cables, mechanical steering link arms, hydraulic steering hoses, hydraulic steering cylinders, steering tie bars or steering helm connections.

Is a Maximum Working Load Published?

No maximum push load, pull load, proof load, fatigue rating or maximum torque is published for the K14.

Select and install the fitting according to the control-cable load rating, throttle or gearbox operating force, linkage geometry, lever length, cable travel, joint articulation, mounting-stud strength and lowest-rated component in the complete control system.

Construction and Design

• Multiflex engine control cable ball joint
• Model K14
• Extended part reference LM-K-14
• Designed for one mechanical push-pull control cable
• 10-32 UNF female cable-side thread
• Supplier-described for universal 3300 / 33C cables
• Supplier-listed for Multiflex EC-033
• Supplier-listed for Multiflex EC-133
• Distributor-listed for Multiflex EC-133R
• EEC-133 compatibility not specifically published
• Spherical rod-end style construction
• Allows limited angular movement
• Transfers cable push-pull movement to an operating lever
• Integral threaded engine-side stud shown in supplier imagery
• No quick-release mechanism documented
• Suitable for correctly matched throttle linkages
• Suitable for correctly matched shift or reverse-gear linkages
• Connects one cable to one operating mechanism
• Does not secure the stationary cable outer casing
• Control cable supplied separately
• Remote control supplied separately
• Engine or gearbox lever supplied separately
• Housing material not published
• Finish not published
• Engine-side stud size not published
• Overall dimensions not published
• Maximum articulation angle not published
• Maximum working load not published
• No exact Ultraflex equivalent verified

Installation and Safety

• Confirm that the product is K14 / LM-K-14
• Verify the control-cable manufacturer and model
• Confirm compatibility with EC-033, EC-133, EC-133R or another correctly matched 33C cable
• Check any EEC-133 EDGE application separately
• Confirm that the cable has a 10-32 UNF male threaded rod
• Inspect the male and female threads for damage
• Start the K14 on the cable thread by hand
• Do not cross-thread the cable rod or joint body
• Maintain sufficient cable-thread engagement
• Use the cable manufacturer’s specified locking method
• Measure the K14 mounting stud
• Confirm the engine or gearbox lever-hole diameter
• Confirm the operating-lever thickness
• Verify the stud thread before selecting replacement nuts
• Position the spherical joint squarely against the linkage
• Use the correct retaining hardware
• Do not reuse a worn or ineffective self-locking nut
• Tighten the stud hardware without preventing joint articulation
• Ensure the joint moves freely throughout its operating angle
• Avoid side-loading or twisting the cable rod
• Secure the stationary cable outer casing separately
• Maintain the cable manufacturer’s minimum bend radius
• Adjust the cable to the correct neutral or idle position
• Operate the control through its complete range with the engine off
• Confirm positive forward, neutral and reverse positions where used for shifting
• Confirm that the throttle returns completely to idle
• Check that the cable does not bottom out before the linkage reaches its stop
• Ensure the K14 does not contact surrounding structure
• Confirm that the threaded stud cannot loosen during operation
• Inspect the joint, stud, nuts and cable thread regularly
• Replace worn, loose, elongated, seized, cracked or corroded components
• Do not operate the control system if the K14 binds or develops excessive play
• Do not exceed the rating of the lowest-rated component in the control system

Engine throttle and shift systems are safety-critical. Installation should follow the current Multiflex, remote-control, engine and gearbox instructions and should be completed and inspected by a competent marine technician.

Key Features

• Multiflex K14 marine control-cable ball joint
• Extended reference LM-K-14
• Threaded articulated cable-end terminal
• Connects a moving control-cable rod to an engine or gearbox linkage
• 10-32 UNF female cable connection
• Suitable for compatible universal 3300 / 33C cables
• Supplier-listed for Multiflex EC-033
• Supplier-listed for Multiflex EC-133
• Distributor-listed for Multiflex EC-133R
• Spherical joint accommodates angular linkage movement
• Helps reduce side loading at the cable rod
• Suitable for correctly matched throttle applications
• Suitable for correctly matched gear-shift applications
• Suitable for correctly matched reverse-gear linkages
• Conventional threaded-stud rod-end arrangement
• No quick-release mechanism documented
• Not the same design as the Multiflex K9
• Ultraflex L7 is comparable but not confirmed as a direct equivalent
• Connects one cable to one operating linkage
• Cable outer casing requires a separate clamp or support
• Control cable supplied separately
• Remote control and engine lever supplied separately
• Exact mounting-hardware contents not itemised
• Housing material not published
• Finish not published
• Engine-side stud dimensions not published
• Overall dimensions not published
• Maximum articulation angle not published
• Maximum working load not published
• Complete connection geometry must be confirmed before ordering