Ultraflex C36 Mercury / Mercruiser Generation II Style Engine Control Cable

The Ultraflex C36 is a Mercury / MerCruiser Generation II-style mechanical engine control cable with an 87mm / 3.4in stroke. It connects compatible Gen II control and engine linkages for throttle or shift operation. Choose from the listed 7ft to 20ft variants. The 7ft, 18ft and 20ft options are non-stocked special-order sizes with an average stated lead time of approximately five weeks.

Product Identification

• Brand: Ultraflex
• Product range: Mercury Gen II control cables
• Product category: Mercury / MerCruiser Gen II mechanical marine engine control cable
• Model: C36
• Current Shopify title: Ultraflex C36 Mercury / Mercruiser Gen II Style Control Cable
• Store SKU format: AF-4-C36-XX
• Cable style: Mercury Generation II style
• Stroke: 87mm / 3.4in
• Available listing lengths: 7ft to 20ft; see exact options below
• Primary application: Compatible Mercury and MerCruiser engines and Mercury Generation II controls
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EC-036
• Multiflex SKU format: EC-036-XX
• Cable family: Mercury Generation II
• Engine family: Mercury and MerCruiser
• High-efficiency alternative: MACH36
• Special-order options: 7ft, 18ft and 20ft; average stated lead time approximately five weeks

What Is This Control Cable Used For?

The C36 transfers mechanical throttle or shift movement in compatible Mercury Generation II systems.

• Compatible Mercury Generation II control installations
• Compatible MerCruiser Gen II throttle or shift systems
• Replacement of an existing C36 cable with matching terminals and length
• New installations specified for the C36 cable family

C36 is a Gen II cable format. Earlier Mercury / Mariner 600A-style systems use C5 or MACH5 and should not be assumed compatible.

What Is Included?

The selected Ultraflex C36 cable is supplied with:

• One Ultraflex C36 mechanical engine control cable in the selected length
• Integral cable terminals and end fittings supplied as part of the cable assembly

Not included:

• Mechanical engine control box
• A second cable where separate throttle and shift cables are required
• Control-box connection kit unless expressly stated as part of a separate package
• Engine-side clevises, pivots, clamps or adaptors not integral to the selected cable
• Installation labour and boat-specific mounting hardware

Which Engines and Controls Are Compatible?

Ultraflex specifies C36 for Mercury and MerCruiser engines and Mercury Generation II controls. Before ordering, confirm:

• The control and engine use Mercury Generation II cable terminals
• The control box accepts C36 directly or uses the specified Ultraflex connection kit
• The selected length reaches the engine or gearbox connection along the complete installed route
• The control-box end and engine end match the required terminal geometry
• The required cable stroke matches the control and engine linkage
• Any control-box or engine-side connection kit is identified before installation
• The cable can be routed without kinks, crushing, heat exposure or interference with moving components

The engine brand and cable length are not enough to establish compatibility. Compare the existing terminal shape and control generation.

How Is C36 Different from C5 and MACH36?

C36 is the standard Mercury Gen II cable, while C5 is an earlier Mercury-style family and MACH36 is the premium Gen II cable.

• C36: Standard Mercury Generation II cable
• C36: 87mm / 3.4in stroke
• C5: Mercury / Mariner 600A-style cable with 95mm / 3.75in stroke
• MACH36: High-efficiency premium cable in the Gen II style
• Selection: Match the terminal family before selecting the length

Do not substitute C5 or MACH5 for C36. The engine and control cable ends are different.

What Is the Multiflex Equivalent?

Multiflex's official control-cable cross-reference lists the Multiflex EC-036 as the corresponding cable family for the Ultraflex C36. The Multiflex SKU format is EC-036-XX, where XX identifies the cable length in feet.

• Multiflex model: EC-036
• Multiflex cable range: Standard Mercury Generation II control cable
• Multiflex published travel: 90mm
• Multiflex stated minimum bend radius: 8in / approximately 203mm

This is a manufacturer-published family cross-reference rather than a statement that the two cables are dimensionally identical in every respect. The Ultraflex C36 listing states a stroke of 87mm / 3.4in, while Multiflex publishes 90mm travel for the EC-036. Before substitution, confirm the cable-end geometry, thread, available travel, installed length, bend radius, control-box connection and engine-side connection. Multiflex also advises users to confirm interchangeability before installation.

How Do I Select the Correct Cable Length?

Use the installed cable route and the exact cable-end positions when selecting the length.

• Replacement cable: Check the model and length printed on the existing cable. Where the marking cannot be read, measure the cable from tip to tip and round up to the next whole foot.
• New inboard or sterndrive installation: Measure the unobstructed routed distance A + B from the control to the throttle or shift connection, then round up to the next whole foot.
• New outboard installation: Measure A + B, add 3ft / 90cm for engine movement, then round up to the next whole foot.
• Cable route: Follow the actual installed path rather than a straight-line measurement and allow sufficient space for smooth bends and service access.

An incorrectly short cable can restrict movement or pull against the fittings. Excessive length can create unnecessary bends and increase control effort.

Special-Order Availability

The supplied Shopify data identifies the following non-stocked cable lengths:

• AF-4-C36-07 — 7ft: Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks
• AF-4-C36-18 — 18ft: Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks
• AF-4-C36-20 — 20ft: Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks

Lead times are estimates rather than guaranteed dispatch dates. Confirm current availability before ordering a time-sensitive replacement.

Available Lengths

This Shopify listing contains the following C36 variants:

• AF-4-C36-07: 7ft / 2.13m — Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks
• AF-4-C36-08: 8ft / 2.44m
• AF-4-C36-09: 9ft / 2.74m
• AF-4-C36-10: 10ft / 3.05m
• AF-4-C36-11: 11ft / 3.35m
• AF-4-C36-12: 12ft / 3.66m
• AF-4-C36-13: 13ft / 3.96m
• AF-4-C36-14: 14ft / 4.27m
• AF-4-C36-15: 15ft / 4.57m
• AF-4-C36-16: 16ft / 4.88m
• AF-4-C36-17: 17ft / 5.18m
• AF-4-C36-18: 18ft / 5.49m — Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks
• AF-4-C36-20: 20ft / 6.10m — Non-stocked special order; average stated lead time approximately five weeks

Dimensions and Fitment

• Stroke: 87mm / 3.4in
• Listed length range: 7ft to 20ft
• Cable family: Mercury Generation II
• Special-order sizes: 7ft, 18ft and 20ft
• Average stated lead time: Approximately five weeks for special-order sizes

Confirm that the existing cable is a Gen II type before ordering. A C36 with the correct length will not fit a C5-style installation.

Construction and Design

• Mechanical push-pull control cable
• Mercury Generation II terminal arrangement
• 87mm / 3.4in operating stroke
• Whole-foot length options
• Designed for compatible Mercury and MerCruiser throttle or shift systems

The C36 must be supported and routed so the outer casing remains stationary while the inner cable moves through its full stroke.

Installation and Adjustment

Mechanical throttle and shift controls are safety-critical. Installation should be completed by a competent marine technician.

Before installation:

• Confirm the exact cable model and selected length
• Place the control and engine linkage in neutral or idle as applicable
• Isolate the engine starting circuit
• Inspect the control box, cable brackets, terminals and engine linkage for wear or corrosion
• Confirm the planned route provides smooth bends and clearance from heat, sharp edges and moving parts
• Identify every connection kit, clevis, pivot or clamp required at both ends

During installation:

• Route the cable with the fewest practical bends
• Do not kink, crush, twist, drill, shorten or modify the cable assembly
• Do not clamp the outer casing tightly enough to deform it
• Keep the cable clear of exhaust components, belts, steering linkages and moving machinery
• Secure the cable outer casing at the specified support points
• Adjust throttle and shift travel independently where two cables are fitted
• Use only the connection hardware specified for the control and engine

After installation, operate the control through its complete range with the engine switched off and confirm that:

• The control moves smoothly through its complete range
• Neutral and idle positions are correctly aligned
• Forward and reverse engage positively without forcing the linkage against its stops
• Full throttle can be selected without over-travelling the engine linkage
• The cable does not bind, pull tight or contact another component
• All cable terminals, clamps, pins and retainers remain secure
• Outboard engine steering and tilt movement do not stretch or kink the control cables

Do not operate the boat if the control is stiff, neutral cannot be identified positively, a cable is damaged or any terminal or retainer is loose.

Maintenance and Replacement

Inspect the complete control-cable installation regularly and before extended use.

• Check the cable jacket for cuts, abrasion, crushing, swelling or heat damage
• Inspect exposed terminals, pins, clevises and clamps for corrosion or wear
• Check that the cable remains supported without tight or distorted clamps
• Confirm that throttle and shift movement remains smooth and accurately adjusted
• Replace a cable that is kinked, seized, abnormally stiff or mechanically damaged
• Do not attempt to repair a damaged push-pull cable by straightening, splicing or welding it

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C36 used for?

Ultraflex specifies it for Mercury and MerCruiser engines and Mercury Generation II controls.

Is C36 the same as C5?

No. C36 is the Gen II format with an 87mm stroke; C5 is the 600A-style family with a 95mm stroke.

What is MACH36?

MACH36 is Ultraflex’s high-efficiency cable in the same general Mercury Gen II style.

Which lengths are special order?

The supplied listing identifies 7ft, 18ft and 20ft as non-stocked with an average lead time of approximately five weeks.

Is the connection kit included?

No. Any control-specific C36 connection kit is supplied separately unless included in a separate control package.

What is the Multiflex equivalent?

Multiflex lists the EC-036 as the cross-reference for the Ultraflex C36. Use the EC-036-XX format, where XX is the cable length in feet. Confirm interchangeability for the exact control, engine, cable travel, terminals and route before installation.

Key Features

• Ultraflex C36 Mercury Generation II control cable
• Compatible Mercury and MerCruiser Gen II applications where specified
• 87mm / 3.4in stroke
• Suitable for compatible throttle or shift operation
• Available in the listed 7ft to 20ft variants
• 7ft, 18ft and 20ft variants are non-stocked special-order sizes
• Average stated special-order lead time approximately five weeks
• MACH36 high-efficiency alternative available separately
• Not interchangeable with C5 / MACH5 cable family
• Control box and connection hardware supplied separately
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EC-036
• Multiflex SKU format: EC-036-XX
• Cross-reference compatibility must be confirmed before installation