Multiflex V18 Twin Lever Single Engine Top Mount Control

The Multiflex V18 / LM-V-18 Single Engine Top Mount Control Lever is a fully mechanical two-lever control in which the throttle and gear-shift functions are operated separately. The red-handled lever controls the throttle and includes an adjustable friction brake, while the black-handled shift or clutch lever provides forward, neutral and reverse detents.

The V18 is designed for compatible outboard and inboard installations requiring a light mechanical transmission load. It can operate with 33C push-pull cables and corresponding Multiflex cables, and its control mechanism can be configured for push-to-open or pull-to-open operation. The cable stroke is adjustable through nominal 46mm, 62mm and 76mm positions, with published adjustment ranges extending from 45mm to 84mm.

Product Identification

• Brand: Multiflex
• Model / item code: V18
• Extended part reference: LM-V-18
• Product category: Mechanical marine engine remote control
• Product type: Two-lever single-engine control
• Mounting type: Top mount
• Number of engines: One
• Number of operating levers: Two
• Functional classification: Two-lever / single-action
• Throttle lever: Red handle
• Shift lever: Black handle
• Shift positions: Forward, neutral and reverse
• Throttle friction: Built-in adjustable brake
• Brake operation: Clockwise to apply; counter-clockwise to release
• Neutral warm-up: Listed
• Housing finish: Chrome
• Application: Outboard and inboard vessels requiring light transmission load
• Cable format: 33C push-pull and corresponding Multiflex cables
• Current Australian cable list: EC-133, EC-133R and EEC-133
• Broader global cable list: EC-033, EC-133, EEC-133, EC-133R, EC-043 and EC-016
• Cable direction: Push or pull configurable
• Nominal cable strokes: 46mm, 62mm and 76mm
• Adjustment ranges: 45–50mm, 59–67mm and 73–84mm
• Shift movement: 45° from neutral in each direction
• Throttle movement: Approximately 95°–115° shown in manual
• Overall height: 280mm
• Base dimensions: 112mm x 124mm
• Below-panel depth shown: 150mm
• Minimum forward clearance: 50mm / 2in
• Twin mounting cutout: 67mm x 124mm
• Mounting holes: Four x 6mm
• Mounting-hole centres: 96mm x 90mm
• Typical cable quantity: Two
• Control cables included: No
• Maximum engine horsepower: Not published
• Maximum cable load: Not published

What Is the Multiflex V18 Used For?

The V18 provides independent throttle and gear-shift control for one mechanically controlled engine.

• Single-inboard engine installations
• Single-outboard engine installations
• Compatible sterndrive installations
• Mechanical gearbox controls
• Main helm or flybridge control positions
• New mechanical control installations
• Replacement of an existing V18
• Correctly specified dual-station systems
• Compatible 33C / 3300 cable installations
• Compatible 43C / 4300 cable installations

How Do the Separate V18 Levers Work?

Red throttle lever:

• Controls engine speed
• Uses a built-in friction brake
• Turns clockwise to apply braking resistance
• Turns counter-clockwise to release braking resistance
• Can be used for neutral warm-up

Black shift or clutch lever:

• Controls the gearbox or engine shift mechanism
• Has forward, neutral and reverse positions
• Moves approximately 45° from neutral in either direction
• Uses three mechanical detent positions

What Is Included?

• 1 x Multiflex V18 / LM-V-18 top-mount control assembly

The manual identifies a terminal eye, pin, flat washer, bolt, spring washer, cable clamp, shim and panel-mounting hardware within the installation components. Check the current packaging before installation.

Not included unless expressly stated:

• Throttle cable
• Gear-shift cable
• Engine-end fittings
• Engine-specific cable adapters
• Secondary control station
• Dual-station linkage
• Engine wiring harness
• Ignition switch
• Power-trim switch or wiring
• Steering components

Which Multiflex Control Cables Are Compatible?

Current Australian product data:

• EC-133
• EC-133R
• EEC-133

Broader global product data additionally list:

• EC-033
• EC-043*
• EC-016

The installation manual specifies compatibility with 33C push-pull cables and provides separate terminal-eye engagement dimensions for 33C and 43C cable formats.

How Many Control Cables Does the V18 Require?

• 1 x throttle cable
• 1 x gear-shift cable
• 2 x control cables in total

How Are 33C and 43C Cables Connected?

• 33C cable terminal-eye engagement: 11mm
• 43C cable terminal-eye engagement: 15mm

The cable terminal is secured to the adjustment shaft using the specified pin and washer, while the stationary cable casing is retained with the clamp, shim, bolt and spring washer.

Can the V18 Be Configured for Push or Pull Operation?

Yes. The control mechanism provides alternative attachment positions for push-to-open and pull-to-open operation. The correct position depends on the movement required by the engine throttle and gearbox.

What Cable Stroke Settings Are Available?

• 46mm nominal: 45–50mm adjustment range
• 62mm nominal: 59–67mm adjustment range
• 76mm nominal: 73–84mm adjustment range

The full-stroke adjustment screw is used to match the selected range to the engine or gearbox linkage.

What Are the V18 Dimensions?

• Overall height: 280mm
• Base width: 112mm
• Base length: 124mm
• Below-panel depth shown: 150mm
• Minimum forward clearance: 50mm / 2in

What Is the V18 Mounting Cutout?

• Cutout: 67mm x 124mm
• Mounting holes: Four
• Hole diameter: 6mm
• Horizontal centres: 96mm
• Vertical centres: 90mm

Check the full-scale manufacturer template against the physical control before drilling.

What Cable Bend Radius Is Required?

The installation manual specifies a minimum bend radius of 254mm / 10in. Route cables as directly as possible, avoid sharp bends and support long runs without crushing the conduit.

How Is Cable Length Measured for an Outboard?

The manual advises adding approximately 1.2m / 4ft to the measured route for an externally mounted outboard motor so the cable can accommodate engine movement.

How Does Neutral Warm-Up Work?

Leave the black shift lever in neutral and advance the red throttle lever. Return the throttle fully to idle before selecting forward or reverse.

Is a Neutral Safety Switch Included?

The global product page and UK distributor list a Neutral Safety Switch Indicator, but the current Australian page and installation manual do not publish the switch wiring, contact rating or exact supply contents. Confirm the current product before wiring.

Can the V18 Be Used in a Dual-Station Installation?

The manual describes two dual-place arrangements. One requires removal of the full-stroke adjustment screw and shift-detent components from the subsidiary control. Multiflex instructs users to consult the seller for the alternative arrangement.

Can the Lever Angles Be Changed?

Yes. The levers use geared shaft notches. Their angle can be changed by loosening the central retaining screw with a 4mm hex wrench, repositioning the lever and retightening the screw.

How Does the V18 Differ From the Multiflex V4?

Multiflex V18:

• One engine
• Separate throttle and shift levers
• Normally two control cables
• Adjustable cable stroke

Multiflex V4:

• Two engines
• Two dual-action levers
• Each lever controls throttle and shift for one engine
• Normally four control cables

Which Ultraflex Control Is Comparable?

For inboard installations, the Ultraflex B46 / 34461P and B58 versions are comparable two-lever, single-action controls. For outboard or sterndrive installations, the Ultraflex B204R / 37383C and B208R / 37654C are comparable formats.

These are functional comparisons only. Confirm cable interfaces, cutout, depth, lever travel, interlock and neutral-safety arrangements before substitution.

What Materials Are Used?

Multiflex specifies a chrome housing. The housing base metal, lever material, chrome thickness, fastener grade and corrosion-test standard are not published.

Construction and Design

• Multiflex V18 mechanical remote control
• Extended reference LM-V-18
• Single-engine top-mount design
• Separate red throttle and black shift levers
• Three-position shift detents
• Adjustable throttle brake
• Push or pull cable configuration
• Adjustable 45–84mm cable-stroke range across three settings
• 33C and 43C cable connections documented
• Neutral warm-up
• Chrome housing
• Published mounting dimensions and template
• Normally uses two cables
• Dual-place installation methods documented
• Adjustable lever angle
• Control cables supplied separately
• Maximum horsepower and operating load not published

Installation and Safety

• Confirm the V18 / LM-V-18 model
• Select one throttle and one shift cable
• Confirm cable family, travel and end fittings
• Confirm push-to-open or pull-to-open operation
• Select the correct stroke setting
• Check the template against the physical control
• Provide 50mm forward clearance
• Provide sufficient below-panel depth and cable clearance
• Maintain a minimum 254mm cable bend radius
• Engage 33C terminal eyes by 11mm
• Engage 43C terminal eyes by 15mm
• Stop the engine before connecting cables
• Set the shift lever and gearbox to neutral before connection
• Set the throttle and engine to idle before connection
• Confirm complete F/N/R movement
• Confirm complete idle-to-full-throttle movement
• Ensure neither cable bottoms out
• Verify the throttle brake
• Confirm neutral warm-up operation
• Confirm any neutral-safety switch wiring
• Recheck all clamps and fasteners
• Do not operate the vessel if either function binds or gives uncertain response

Installation should be completed by a competent marine technician using the current Multiflex, cable, engine and gearbox instructions.

Maintenance

• Wash exposed parts periodically with fresh water
• Apply wax to the control head and handles
• Check for smooth operation
• Lubricate moving parts where required
• Inspect cable connections and mounting hardware
• Replace worn, loose or corroded components

Key Features

• Multiflex V18 single-engine top-mount control
• Separate throttle and shift levers
• Red throttle handle
• Black F/N/R shift handle
• Adjustable throttle brake
• Push or pull cable operation
• Three adjustable stroke settings
• 33C and 43C cable arrangements documented
• Neutral warm-up
• Chrome housing
• 280mm overall height
• 112mm x 124mm base
• 67mm x 124mm mounting cutout
• Four 6mm fixing holes on 96mm x 90mm centres
• Normally uses two control cables
• Control cables supplied separately
• Maximum engine rating not published