Engine randomly lost neutral with engine running

[95boat]

I have a 1995 Evinrude 112 on a 95 Wellcraft 119CC. Today I was anchored for a while after traveling about 10 miles at 3/4 throttle with no problems. When it was time to head back to port the engine wouldn't start in neutral. Just kept turning over but never started... So I gave it a little gas in neutral and it started but the RPMs were really high. I tried to throttle back into neutral and the throttle lever wouldn't go back that far... there was resistance... I pushed a little harder and it slipped past neutral into reverse, but the RPMs were really high again... so I was able to make it back to port but pretty much only have 10mph and faster, and full throttle reverse... nothing slower and no idle... Any ideas?

 

[Chevyboy454]

Re: Engine randomly lost neutral with engine running

Sounds like either the shift / throttle cable broke / bound up or the linkage is messed up on the engine or in the throttle box. Start by pulling the cover off the Rude and have a look at the linkage while the wife moves the controls.

Good Luck.
Cheers Rick.

 

[95boat]

Re: Engine randomly lost neutral with engine running

I should add that the throttle lever moves and feels fine when the engine is off. The problem only exists when the engine is running.

 

[James R]

Re: Engine randomly lost neutral with engine running

Just had a similar issue with my Yamaha on my 'toon. The mechanisms in the remote are similar. I think I have fixed it. The only thing I found was the screws securing the fast idle lever were loose which would allow the lever cam to pop out of the throttle lever mechanism and jam the mechanism. When it popped back in I had control again. It was a bugger trying to dock with the motor racing.

 

[James R]

Re: Engine randomly lost neutral with engine running

My apologies. Took the 'toon out yesterday and the throttle jammed again. I had tools so I was able to dock and open up the remote. All in order except that the throttle cable would not retract. Got in the water and removed the cover. Inspected the linkages found nothing amiss. Moved the throttle at the motor and the cable was moving freely and everything in order. There is a linkage which operates the advance, I assume a potentiometer, it is all sealed.
Incorrect length adjustment would allow the spindle to go over center. Disconnected the cable and operated the linkage manually and yes it seems to lock up. It has mechanical advantage over the cable so just a slight jam would cause the lock up. Made the adjustment to avoid over center and reset everything. Several tests of the remote and all seems well.
Sorry to mislead you.