Merc 8 skips speed

[billy the bass]

I have a 2005 Mercury 8h manual start, low hours. It came with the boat I bought 2 years ago and its always done this. When i start trolling idle speed it stays at 1.2mph. I can turn throttle quarter turn and nothing happens until i hit a certain spot and it revs up to 2mph. I can't gradually raise it to desired speed like 1.5-1.8mph. and have it stay, it either skips or goes back to idle speed... The boats a 17.6ft hewescraft. any info is welcomed, thanks.

 

[tim123104]

Re: Merc 8 skips speed

i would start by checking the linkage on land. turn the handle to see if it moves the linkage all the way thru. could be a loose nut or wore out linkage