Morse Control Throttle Cables, Parts & Shifter Components

A Morse cable is designed with a thicker inner wire and outer housing, which decreases slack and increases a more positive movement when shifting the transmission or throttling the engine. This provides quicker reactions between driver input and vehicle response, which can be critical in racing applications where every second counts.

The stronger design of a Morse cable compared to an OEM cable decreases the chance of breakage and increases service life. This allows the driver to focus more on what is on the road in front of them and less on concern over the throttle or shifter cable operation. Morse cables are capable of handling quicker and harder shifting from the driver as well as heavy throttle-on and off driving.

Automotive throttle cables are components that connect the carburetor or throttle body to the gas pedal. A Morse cable controls the movement of either the throttle opening. Input from the driver through the pedal pushes or pulls an inner wire within the throttle cable housing, opening and closing throttle linkage in the carb or throttle body. The housing is bolted to a bracket at either end of the cable to allow the inner cable to move and operate more easily.

The first step in lubricating custom throttle cables is to remove them from the vehicle if possible. Next, if the cable is designed to allow disassembly, remove the inner cable from the outer housing. Next, clean and lubricate the inner cable with the proper grease (not penetrating oil). Then reassemble the cable and check operation before reinstallation. If the cable can't be disassembled, slide the cable back and forth and note the resistance before lubrication. Next, using the proper lubricant (not penetrating oil), apply or spray it into the top part of the cable between the inner wire and the outer housing. Then slide the cable back and forth to work the lubricant further down the cable. Repeat adding lubricant until you see it exiting the bottom of the cable or the resistance when sliding the inner wire is acceptable. If you are unable to get the lubricant to drain from the top of the cable to the bottom, flip the cable so that the bottom is now at the top and perform the same process of injecting lubricant and sliding the inner wire back and forth to get as much of it into the cable as possible.

Adjusting throttle control cables is a relatively simple process. With the aid of a helper, have them press the throttle pedal all the way to the floor. Next check to make sure the throttle blades are fully open on the carburetor or throttle body. If they do not, loosen the throttle cable clamp connection either at the end of the inner cable or at the adjustable bracket that secures the housing. Adjust the connection until the throttle blades are all the way open when the gas pedal is to the floor. Next, have the helper release the throttle pedal and confirm that the throttle blades are rested at the stop. There will be a small air gap between the throttle bore and the throttle blades in order for the engine to start and idle. Adjust if necessary and then reconfirm that the throttle blades are fully open with the pedal fully depressed and closed at the stop when the gas pedal is released. In racing applications, a "positive" throttle stop is recommended to prevent the linkage from overextending and causing binding or a stuck throttle.

To adjust Morse shift cables, a helper is required, similar to adjusting a throttle cable. With the helper in the driver seat, listen for the click in the transmission gear selector, which needs to match the click the shifter makes as it is put into each gear. If the cable is not synchronizing the transmission gear selector directly in time with the shifter, adjustment is needed to avoid transmission damage. Adjustment is made by loosening the Morse throttle control parts at the end of the cable and either moving the connection backward or forward to improve the timing of the shifter to the transmission gear selector.

Upgrading your throttle or shifter cable from a factory style version to a Morse control cable provides a heavy-duty connection that will handle a lot more use and abuse than a factory-style cable. Morse cables are universally designed, which can be made to work for motorcycles, cars, trucks, race vehicles, and even for lawn mowers. Purchase your next Morse throttle cable or shifter cable and Morse control cable parts (available in different sizes) from JEGS to improve throttle and shift responsiveness for your street or race vehicle.