Side mount controller missing 'Neutral throttle button'

[Dances w/Dolphins]

Just purchased last month a 1996 Sunbird 170 bowrider w/same year 90hp Johnson outboard. Overall - the boat is in very good condition and runs great. Lots of new goodies added by previous owner.

Last time out, had an episode with not being able to engage forward or reverse - and with trial and error at times - would on the other hand not come OUT of gear.

There are no identification markings anywhere on the control, although a long time mechanic (seeing pictures I had of it in my phone) says it looks like a Merc Quicksilver.

As purchased - there was a piece of duct tape covering the 'neutral switch' at the base of the lever, and some research and investigating prompted me to remove the tape.

It appears the original 'button' either broke off, or somehow came off and was replaced by a makeshift screw with a flat washer - backed up by two nuts locking together - and the 1 inch or so of thread was just placed into the center hole of the spline shaft (which holds the lever in place) and was being held 'in' with the tape. It was actually working as normal the first few times we had the boat out.

This actually took the place of the required action the original button was designed for, but now - with some close checking - it seems like the screw does NOT pop all the way out after being depressed (pushed in). Keep in mind, the screw is not engaged in any way - it can slide in and out (purpose of duct tape).

Which now brings me to my question(s)!!

Could I find just the button assembly and more importantly - free up the action of the in/out movement of that mechanism - or - does it sound like (and I already checked) I might have to invest around $300 for a whole new control.

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated - want to get back out on the water. THANKS GUYS!!!

[littlefin]

Need pictures to see if anyone has one, to help you out>

[Dances w/Dolphins]

Need pictures to see if anyone has one, to help you out>

Thanks for the heads up 'littlefin' - just today signed up as member, so getting to know the site and how to use all 'tools'. Will get photo's loaded asap.

[rickryder]

Is this your controls?



Part #5..... oem # 822212T most marinas have them in stock about 5 bucks

[Dances w/Dolphins]

Is this your controls?



Part #5..... oem # 822212T most marinas have them in stock about 5 bucks

Hey RickRyder - Thanks much for the comeback, looks like you hit it (almost) dead on. There are a few differences though, in that mine has a different shaped 'tilt' button at the end of the grip (mine shaped somewhat like the old 50's or 60's power windows button - only not chrome) and I also have a triple wire (red-blue-green) connected and wound inside the lever. The back plate also seems to be shaped a little different (mine rectangular).
With all that said - part #5 & #6 look identical, and IT IS #5 that I am missing.
What make control is this? Would love to see the exploded view in the entire mechanism (thinking of taking it down and giving it a good cleaning) ..... can see alot of corrosion on the housing through the gunwall.
If you can direct me to this particular make, I might be able to research and track down my exact match - and feel a little more guided in the 'cleaning' process.
THANKS AGAIN for your time and knowledge in identifying my unit - wasn't getting there in my own searches. By The Way, I too was born and raised in NJ - lived in Essex and Bergen Co's.