[basspirate]

i bought a used 1980 evinrude 140. i just installed everything and the motor runs good except that the idle is a little high, about 250-300 over. i went back to the engine and pushed the throttle lever back aginst the block and the idle dropped but when i go to the control box and raise and lower the high idle lever the idle stays high again. is it time to replace the cables or is there something i'm missing.

[jay_merrill]

There is a black wheel on the control cable at the engine end of it. It is the part that fits into the stainless steel retainer, ahead of the point where the cable fits onto the throttle gear or throttle arm, depending on what size engine you have.

Try adjusting this wheel to obtain proper idle speed. I would run the motor for awhile first, to make sure it is warmed up and able to idle without using the idle lever.

If you have to replace the cable, examine it to determine if it is the older Type 400 cable (set screw ends), or the newer Type 479 cable (press fit ends).

[basspirate]

thanks. it turns out i wasnt pre stretching the cables enough. although i may have to replace them anyway as i'm at the end of adjustment

[robertk]

I have the exact same problem! What does pre-stretching mean and how is it done?
Thanks for your help.

[jay_merrill]

The wire portion of your cables is solid wire - there is no "prestretching" involved.

[robertk]

Thanks - I will try the black wheel adjustment and see if that helps. The throttle control box and wheel adjustment seems so straight forward yet I can't seem to get it right. I'll try again this weekend.

[basspirate]

what i mean by prestretching is grab the black plastic slide that attaches to the throttle and give is a pull before attaching it to the throttle. it takes out the play in the cable and box. then adjust the cable before setting it in the holder. after it is in you can then finely adjust it