78 merc m800 80hp forward + throttle issue

[howjan]

I just bought a 78 merc m800 80hp. When I put it in forward it will go in to gear and run at idle speed no matter where the control lever is in the forward range. If I throw it in reverse, it seems to engage the proper amount of throttle the more you push the level. I took the cover off to watch what's happening. In reverse, the throttle seems to slide properly the more you push the lever. In forward, nothing engages the throttle on the carburetor. The plastic throttle that opens up the carb in reverse does not move when forward is engaged. There is an audible click, maybe more of a binding noise, that happens about the time I would expect the plastic to engage the carb. I assume something is slipping or busted somewhere, but I've no idea where to start looking for this.

In neutral the throttle control arm does wind the engine up a bit, but doesn't bring it anywhere near WOT. I'm assuming this is by design, but I don't know enough about this to say for sure.

I did buy and online repair manual, but my connection is so slow at the farm it's almost impossible for me to look through it. Any suggestions where I should look for the issue?

thanks

 

[howjan]

User error, after searching several hours for a problem... I found basic usage instructions that said the idle throttle needs to be all the way back before the control lever is able to go full blast. Sure enough that did it. Embarrassing first post, but problem solved.