1978 Force 50 and US Marine control unit cables setup.

[Bobby V]

Hi.. I have a 1978 Force 50 outboard with a US Marine controller on a 24' Playcraft pontoon boat. It was hard to shift and had no throttle in reverse. After inspecting the control box(US Marine), and moving the cables by hand, I determined it was time for new shift/throttle cables. My Dad offered to pick them up but neither of us had any clue to what cables work. The cable part #s had worn off. Omaha Marine center gave us universal type of cables. One end has a longer inner sleeve than the other end. There is approximately 2-3 inches difference between the 2 ends. Anyone know which end is for control box and which end is for linkage on the force 50? We have been trying to get these cables setup for 3 months now.
I will add pics asap. Thanks!

 

[Jerryjerry05]

1978 Force??? No 78 Force made. Force started in the early 80's
The cables should be the same length for shift and throttle.
Compare the old ones.
What color is the motor? Blue? makes it a 87 and newer.
US Marine came about in the early 80's too.
Post a pic of the equipment ??

 

[Oldsaltydog]

The end with the most exposed inner cable is the motor end.