I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

I have a 2002 merc outboard 90hp. So The wife and I were out fishing yesterday. We were changing spots when the throttle got stuck, it is always stiff hard to put in in and out of gear. So i forced it into gear i heard and felt a pop. The throttle went forward with the boat not really going anywhere. So I popped the plastic top off the shifter box. I moved the shifter up and down and nothing so I hit the neutral button well, what a mistake. I could not get it out on neutral. So I moved the shifter up and down and a few broken metal pieces worked there way out. Would it be the control box or the cable? Should I replace the cable and control box?

Re: I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

I think what happened is you broke the cotter pin that keeps it in neutral. my guess is why it would lock in neutral is the cotter pin that comes up when you squeeze the handle got broke and was still there and when you put it back in neutral it got stuck because it was already broken, then you forced it and the peaces flew. If that is what happened (you gotta pull the handle off to know for sure) ive had that problem you can take it out and the box will work but it will not lock in neutral, or you can have a cotter pin made in the shape of your old one (you'll know when you find if if you can find it), or you'll need a new control box. I think you can keep your control box if you dont have to large of a motor, if you can get that cotter pin out of there. good luck :facepalm:

Re: I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

90hp should be ok, you just gotta watch it when you slow the boat down so you dont pop it in reverse.

Re: I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

How Difficult is it to replace the control box? Should I also replace the cable also?:facepalm:

Re: I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

tmontaner said:

How Difficult is it to replace the control box? Should I also replace the cable also?:facepalm:

Click to expand...

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... It depends on what controller ya got...

Got a Picture of it,..??

Re: I forced the Throttle into gear yesterday and Something broke in the control box.

Here are a few pics of the control.