Ultraflex MACH36 Mercury / Mercruiser Generation II Style Engine Control Cable

The Ultraflex MACH36 is a high-efficiency Mercury Generation II-style mechanical engine control cable for compatible throttle and shift installations. It uses Ultraflex's patented MACH cable construction to maximise operating efficiency, minimise lost motion and provide increased flexibility for long or complex cable routes. The MACH36 has an 87mm / 3.4in stroke, stainless-steel end fittings and a high-resistance blue outer jacket designed to withstand abrasion, ultraviolet exposure and chemicals. Choose the required cable length from the available product options.

Product Identification

• Brand: Ultraflex
• Product range: MACH high-performance control cables
• Product category: Mechanical marine engine control cable
• Model: MACH36
• Manufacturer part number: Varies according to cable length
• Cable style: Mercury Generation II
• Standard Ultraflex counterpart: C36
• Primary application: Compatible Mercury and MerCruiser Generation II throttle or shift systems
• Engine configurations: Compatible outboard, inboard and sterndrive installations
• Stroke: 87mm / 3.4in
• Operating function: Throttle or shift
• Core design: Patented high-performance MACH construction
• Conduit design: High-flexibility conduit
• End fittings: Stainless steel
• Outer-jacket colour: Blue
• Outer-jacket resistance: Abrasion, ultraviolet light and chemicals
• Maintenance requirement: Maintenance-free cable construction
• Available lengths: Multiple lengths; select the required option
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EEC-036
• Multiflex SKU format: EEC-036-XX
• Cross-reference status: Family-level reference; confirm interchangeability before installation

What Is the Ultraflex MACH36 Used For?

The MACH36 transfers mechanical movement between a compatible engine control and the throttle or shift mechanism of an engine or gearbox.

It can be used for:

• Mercury Generation II throttle-control installations
• Mercury Generation II shift-control installations
• Compatible MerCruiser Gen II systems
• Compatible outboard-engine controls
• Compatible inboard-engine controls
• Compatible sterndrive controls
• Replacement of an existing MACH36 cable
• Replacement of a C36 where the MACH36 terminal style and length are confirmed
• Long cable runs
• Cable routes containing several bends
• Installations requiring lower lost motion and increased flexibility

A separate cable is normally required for each independently operated throttle or shift function. A conventional single-engine dual-action control generally uses one throttle cable and one shift cable.

The MACH36 does not determine engine compatibility by itself. The control box, engine linkage, terminal geometry, operating stroke, installed length and any required connection kits must all be checked.

What Is Included?

The selected Ultraflex MACH36 cable is supplied with:

• One MACH36 mechanical engine control cable in the selected length
• Integral Mercury Gen II-style terminals
• Stainless-steel cable-end fittings
• Blue protective outer jacket

Not included:

• Mechanical engine control box
• A second control cable
• Control-box connection kit
• Engine-side adaptor kit
• Clevis, pivot or clamp not integral to the cable
• Throttle or shift linkage
• Boat-specific mounting brackets
• Installation labour

Where separate throttle and shift cables are required, order two cables in the appropriate lengths.

Which Engines and Controls Are Compatible?

The Ultraflex MACH36 uses a Mercury Generation II-style terminal configuration, similar to the standard Ultraflex C36 cable.

It is intended for compatible:

• Mercury Generation II controls
• Mercury engines using the Gen II cable arrangement
• MerCruiser engines and sterndrives using the Gen II cable arrangement
• Outboard controls specified for MACH36 or C36-style terminals
• Inboard and sterndrive controls designed for the same cable family

Before ordering, confirm:

• The existing cable is marked MACH36, C36 or another verified Gen II equivalent
• The control box accepts Mercury Gen II-style terminals
• The engine or gearbox connection accepts the opposite cable terminal
• The required operating stroke is compatible with the MACH36's 87mm travel
• The selected cable length follows the complete installed route
• Any required control-box connection kit has been identified
• Any required engine-side adaptor has been identified
• The cable can be routed without excessive bends, crushing or heat exposure
• The cable does not interfere with engine steering or tilt movement

The engine brand and cable length alone do not establish compatibility. Compare the terminal shape, control generation, travel and required mounting hardware.

Does MACH36 Fit Every Ultraflex Control Box?

No. MACH36 is not a universal direct-fit cable for every Ultraflex mechanical control.

Depending on the control-box model, the cable may:

• Connect directly
• Require a model-specific Ultraflex connection kit
• Be excluded from use with that particular control

Before ordering, check the current control-box specification and identify:

• The exact control model
• Whether MACH36 is accepted
• Whether a connection kit is required
• Whether the connection kit is supplied with the control
• Whether the control provides the required cable travel

A connection kit should not be selected from appearance alone. Kits for C2, C8, MACHZero, C5, MACH5, C36 and MACH36 cable families can contain different terminals and retaining components.

How Is MACH36 Different from C36?

The MACH36 and C36 belong to the same Mercury Generation II cable family and share the same stated 87mm / 3.4in stroke, but they use different internal construction.

Ultraflex MACH36:

• Patented high-performance MACH cable design
• Core construction designed to maximise efficiency
• Designed to minimise lost motion
• High-flexibility conduit
• Intended for long and complex cable routes
• Reduced bend-radius capability
• Stainless-steel end fittings
• High-resistance blue outer jacket
• Maintenance-free construction

Ultraflex C36:

• Standard Mercury Generation II control cable
• 87mm / 3.4in stroke
• Intended for compatible Mercury and MerCruiser Gen II systems
• Standard alternative where the additional flexibility of MACH36 is not required

The MACH36 is the high-efficiency alternative to the C36. The terminal style and length must still be checked before replacing one cable with the other.

What Is the Multiflex Equivalent?

Multiflex's official control-cable cross-reference lists the Multiflex EEC-036 EDGE cable as the corresponding cable family for the Ultraflex MACH36.

• Multiflex model: EEC-036
• Multiflex range: EDGE Series
• Multiflex SKU format: EEC-036-XX
• Application family: Mercury / MerCruiser Generation II
• Multiflex published travel: 80mm
• EDGE conduit outside diameter: 8.6mm
• Inner core: 2.75mm coated inner
• Minimum stated bend radius: 4in / approximately 102mm
• Construction: Low-friction EDGE cable
• Backlash characteristic: Designed for minimal backlash
• Wiper seal: Polyurethane material impregnated with lifetime lubricant

The Multiflex EEC-036 is an official family-level cross-reference, but the published travel differs:

• Ultraflex MACH36 stroke: 87mm / 3.4in
• Multiflex EEC-036 published travel: 80mm

Before substituting either cable, confirm:

• Control-box terminal geometry
• Engine-side terminal geometry
• Required cable movement
• Available travel at the control
• Available travel at the engine or gearbox
• Installed cable length
• Minimum bend radius
• Control-box connection kit
• Engine-side mounting and retaining hardware

Multiflex states that its cross-reference is provided for reference and advises users to confirm interchangeability before installation.

How Is the Multiflex EEC-036 Different from EC-036?

Multiflex offers both standard and EDGE versions of the Mercury Generation II cable family.

Multiflex EEC-036:

• Official cross-reference for Ultraflex MACH36
• EDGE high-efficiency cable construction
• 4in / approximately 102mm minimum bend radius
• Coated 2.75mm inner core
• 8.6mm EDGE conduit
• Designed to reduce friction and backlash

Multiflex EC-036:

• Official cross-reference for standard Ultraflex C36
• Standard cable construction
• 8in / approximately 203mm minimum bend radius
• 90mm published travel
• Black outer jacket

For the closest functional Multiflex alternative to MACH36, use the EEC-036, not the standard EC-036, subject to complete compatibility checks.

How Do I Select the Correct Cable Length?

Use the actual installed cable route rather than a straight-line measurement.

For an existing replacement cable:

1. Check the model and length printed on the existing cable jacket.
2. Confirm that the existing cable is correctly installed and not excessively long or short.
3. Where the marking cannot be read, measure the cable from terminal tip to terminal tip.
4. Round the measured length up to the next available whole-foot cable size.

For a new inboard or sterndrive installation:

1. Measure the unobstructed routed distance from the control to the engine or gearbox connection.
2. Follow the intended cable path around bulkheads and structural components.
3. Add dimensions A and B.
4. Round up to the next whole foot.

For a new outboard installation:

1. Measure the routed distance A + B from the control position to the engine.
2. Add 3ft / approximately 90cm for outboard steering and tilt movement.
3. Round up to the next whole foot.

Allow sufficient cable length for:

• Smooth bends
• Connection at both ends
• Engine steering movement
• Engine tilt movement
• Vibration
• Installation access
• Future adjustment and servicing

An incorrectly short cable can restrict movement or place the terminals under load. Excessive cable length can create unnecessary bends and increase operating effort.

Available Cable Lengths

MACH36 is manufactured in multiple cable lengths. The exact manufacturer part number changes according to the selected length.

Select the required length from the product options shown in the listing.

Before choosing a length:

• Check the marking on the existing cable
• Measure the complete installed route
• Do not use the straight-line distance between the control and engine
• Allow for outboard steering and tilt movement where applicable
• Avoid selecting unnecessary excess length
• Check whether the selected length is held in stock or supplied to order

The C36 length and special-order schedule should not automatically be applied to MACH36. Availability must be checked for the selected MACH36 variant.

Dimensions and Fitment

• Cable model: MACH36
• Cable family: Mercury Generation II
• Operating stroke: 87mm / 3.4in
• Cable function: Throttle or shift
• Outer-jacket colour: Blue
• End-fitting material: Stainless steel
• Length measurement: Cable-specific overall length
• Length format: Normally identified in feet
• Minimum numerical bend radius: Not stated on the current Ultraflex MACH36 product page
• Routing characteristic: High flexibility for reduced bend radius
• Installation types: Compatible outboard, inboard and sterndrive systems

Although Ultraflex states that MACH36 provides increased flexibility and reduced bend-radius capability, the current product page does not publish a numerical minimum radius. Do not assign the Multiflex EEC-036's 4in bend-radius figure to the MACH36.

Use the largest practical bend radius and minimise the number and severity of bends.

Construction and Design

• Patented Ultraflex MACH cable construction
• High-efficiency inner-core design
• Designed to minimise lost motion
• High-flexibility conduit
• Mercury Generation II-style terminal arrangement
• Stainless-steel cable-end fittings
• High-resistance blue outer jacket
• Resistance to abrasion
• Resistance to ultraviolet exposure
• Resistance to chemicals
• Maintenance-free cable assembly
• Suitable for complex marine cable routes

The inner core and conduit are designed to work together so that control-lever movement is transmitted efficiently to the throttle or shift linkage.

Reduced lost motion helps limit the difference between control-lever movement and movement at the engine or gearbox. Final performance also depends on the cable route, control mechanism, linkage condition and correct adjustment.

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 control-box model
• Confirm the engine or gearbox model
• Verify the Mercury Generation II terminal configuration
• Check the required cable stroke
• Confirm the selected cable length
• Identify any required connection kits
• Place the control and engine linkage in neutral or idle
• Isolate the engine starting circuit
• Inspect the control mechanism and linkage for wear
• Plan a route with the fewest practical bends

During installation:

• Route the cable along the measured path
• Use smooth bends throughout the route
• Do not kink, crush or twist the cable
• Do not drill, shorten or modify the cable assembly
• Keep the cable away from exhausts and other heat sources
• Protect the jacket from sharp edges
• Keep the cable clear of belts, steering linkages and moving machinery
• Support the outer conduit without deforming it
• Fit the specified control-box connection components
• Fit the correct engine-side retaining hardware
• Adjust throttle and shift cables separately

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

• The control lever moves smoothly
• Neutral is clearly and correctly aligned
• Idle is correctly set
• Forward and reverse engage positively
• The shift linkage is not forced against its mechanical stops
• Full throttle is available without over-travelling the linkage
• The cable does not bind
• The outer casing remains securely retained
• All pins, clips and connection components remain secure
• Outboard steering and tilt movement do not pull or kink the cable

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

Maintenance and Replacement

The MACH36 is described by Ultraflex as maintenance-free. This means the internal cable assembly does not require routine dismantling or internal lubrication.

The complete installation should still be inspected regularly.

Check:

• Blue outer jacket for cuts, abrasion or crushing
• Cable route for tight or developing bends
• Stainless-steel end fittings for damage or corrosion
• Control-box retaining hardware
• Engine-side pins, clips and fasteners
• Throttle and shift adjustment
• Smooth movement throughout the control range
• Clearance from heat and moving components
• Outboard steering and tilt clearance
• Signs of excessive free movement or lost motion

Replace the cable if it is:

• Kinked
• Crushed
• Seized
• Abnormally stiff
• Mechanically damaged
• Heavily abraded
• Unable to complete its full operating travel
• Fitted with damaged or distorted terminals

Do not attempt to repair a damaged push-pull cable by straightening, welding, splicing or injecting unapproved lubricants into it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultraflex MACH36 used for?

The MACH36 is a mechanical throttle or shift cable for compatible Mercury Generation II-style control and engine connections.

Is MACH36 the same as C36?

No. Both use the same general Gen II cable style and have an 87mm stroke, but MACH36 uses Ultraflex's patented high-efficiency construction, flexible conduit and blue protective jacket.

Can MACH36 replace C36?

It can serve as the high-performance alternative where the terminal style, stroke, cable length and required connection kits are compatible. Confirm both ends before ordering.

What is the MACH36 stroke?

The stated stroke is 87mm / 3.4in.

Can MACH36 be used for both throttle and shift?

Yes, where the control and engine or gearbox specify the MACH36 cable family. A separate cable is normally required for each function.

Is MACH36 suitable for outboard engines?

Yes, for compatible outboard installations using the required Mercury Gen II-style terminals. Allow additional cable length for steering and tilt movement.

Can it be used with inboard and sterndrive engines?

Yes. Ultraflex states that MACH Series cables are suitable for compatible outboard, inboard and sterndrive installations.

Is MACH36 maintenance-free?

Ultraflex describes the cable as maintenance-free. The outer jacket, end fittings, retainers and complete installation must still be inspected regularly.

What is the minimum bend radius?

Ultraflex states that MACH36 has high flexibility for a reduced bend radius, but its current product page does not publish a numerical minimum. Use the largest practical radius.

What is the Multiflex equivalent?

Multiflex officially cross-references the EEC-036 EDGE cable to the Ultraflex MACH36.

Are MACH36 and EEC-036 dimensionally identical?

This should not be assumed. Ultraflex publishes an 87mm stroke for MACH36, while Multiflex publishes 80mm travel for EEC-036. Confirm actual linkage requirements before substitution.

Is the standard Multiflex EC-036 the equivalent?

The EC-036 corresponds to the standard Ultraflex C36. The high-efficiency EEC-036 is the official Multiflex cross-reference for MACH36.

Is a control-box connection kit included?

No. A control-specific connection kit must be ordered separately where required.

Does one cable operate both throttle and shift?

No. In a conventional mechanical installation, one cable operates throttle and another operates shift, even where both are moved by one dual-action control lever.

How do I identify the existing cable length?

Read the length printed on the outer jacket. Where it cannot be read, measure from terminal tip to terminal tip and round up to the next available whole-foot size.

Key Features

• Ultraflex MACH36 high-efficiency engine control cable
• Mercury Generation II-style cable format
• High-performance alternative to Ultraflex C36
• Suitable for compatible throttle or shift operation
• 87mm / 3.4in operating stroke
• Patented MACH inner-core construction
• Designed to maximise efficiency
• Designed to minimise lost motion
• High-flexibility conduit
• Suitable for long or complex cable routes
• Reduced bend-radius capability
• Maintenance-free construction
• Stainless-steel end fittings
• High-resistance blue outer jacket
• Jacket resistant to abrasion, ultraviolet exposure and chemicals
• Suitable for compatible outboard, inboard and sterndrive installations
• Multiple cable lengths available
• Cable part number varies by length
• Control box supplied separately
• Second throttle or shift cable supplied separately
• Connection kits supplied separately where required
• Official Multiflex cross-reference: EEC-036
• Multiflex SKU format: EEC-036-XX
• EEC-036 uses high-efficiency EDGE construction
• Cross-reference compatibility must be confirmed before installation

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