What kind of remote control do you have? Assuming Mercury, for general use, side mounting there is a 2000 that sits on the bulkhead with exposed wiring and cables and the 3000 that is mounted in the bulkhead with cables and wiring concealed. The latter is easily recognized by a big black button used for fast idle.
On the 2000 there is a fast idle lever on the rear that must be ALL the way down before shifting. When using it, depending on your engine's preference, you may have it partially up or all the way up. Trick is to get the engine to light off and then move the lever as necessary to maintain the engine rpms at around 1500 give or take a few hundred while warming up. Then push it down. If the engine tries to die, just push in and hold the key till it recovers and let go. After it warms up somewhat it will quit needing the extra fuel charge.
On the 3000 depressing and holding the button down while advancing the control lever out of the N position, you are in throttle position only and the advancement of the handle controls the fuel and rpms. Once you leave the N position, the lever will lock in the depressed position and you don't have to hold it in. Work it the same way as the 2000 fast idle lever in warming up . When finished, pull the contol lever back to N and the button will pop out putting the lever back to the dual function mode where it controls both throttle and shifting.
Mark
