Stupid question time.

[raven174us]

Ok here comes what could be a stupid question. So here it goes. I am very new to boating. I have no one around me to ask question to about how to run a boat. I just assumed how it worked and went for it. :redface:
I have an older Mercury 650. The controls has 2 levers. One that puts it in forward and reverse, the 2nd a smaller one on the side. I was told buy the PO that I pull the small lever up when starting the boat. But he never said what it was really for. So my question. Is it like a throttle as in I pull it up while moving down the lake? Or does it stay down and the other control advances the throttle?

 

[gcboat]

Re: Stupid question time.

The older - or split - throttles have two functions. The larger one is obviously for the F-N-R and speed thing. The smaller one is your choke. Pull it up until the engine fires and then play with it from there. Might take a minute of two before you can lay it back down to its original position. All motors are different.

 

[raven174us]

Re: Stupid question time.

It has an electric choke. So the 2nd smaller lever is a choke too? Also what would happen if I leave it up while moving down the lake at slow speeds?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Stupid question time.

I don't think you can shift if the lever is up.
I think the lever is a high idle For cold starts I think the choke is seperate.
You push in the key to choke.Thats what my 50 merc has.
You can't speed up in neutral with the big lever;; it will go in gear first.
So they supply the small lever so you can speed up the motor in neutral.
Some motors you can advance in neutral by pulling out the lever first.
Little lever is only for cold starts.

 

[raven174us]

Re: Stupid question time.

Ok, that makes since. I went and took the cover off the motor. When I lifted the smaller lever the disturber advanced. Thanks.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Stupid question time.

Think of the small lever as the same as pushing the gas down in your car when you're in neutral. Also, remember quick shifts into gear are best for your motor. It keeps the gears from unnecessarily grinding. You'll do it no favors by easing it into gear.

 

[raven174us]

Re: Stupid question time.

Thanks, I had it grind once when I first started out. I'll remember that when I take it back out. I believe my water pump is not working so it looks like I'll be tearing into that before taking her back out. I'm just glad the first time out didn't go too bad. I learned allot.
I'm so glad I found this place. iboats is awesome!

 

[doctordelerious]

Re: Stupid question time.

Confusious say there are no stupid questions, it is stupid not to ask and blow up motor !! Confusious also say man who go to bed with itchy bum wake up with stinky finger !!

 

[raven174us]

Re: Stupid question time.

lmao