Throttle and idle controls

[mythx]

Hi everyone. I'd like to adjust my console throttle controls. I have to move them a lot before the motor responds. In particular, the idle lever has to move about 50% before you notice anything, and the forward throttle about 90%. Reverse actually seems OK though.

Is there a document somewhere that explains the procedure? Along with that, is there any maintenance that I should do as this is a recent purchase and I don't know much about the history.

It's a '79 Merc 50 S/N: 5336799 on an 18' Starcraft.

Thanks in advance

 

[Chris1956]

Sometimes they move more than you would expect. On a MerControl from that era, midnight is neutral. Forward can engage as late as 10 o'clock. (right hand control). As long as you get full throttle, say by 8 or 8:30 you are OK.

There is no adjustment on the MerControls. Worn parts can be replaced, if you can find them.

 

[mythx]

Sometimes they move more than you would expect. On a MerControl from that era, midnight is neutral. Forward can engage as late as 10 o'clock. (right hand control). As long as you get full throttle, say by 8 or 8:30 you are OK.

There is no adjustment on the MerControls. Worn parts can be replaced, if you can find them.

Thanks for the reply. My system is definitely operating outside those specs.

 

[Chris1956]

You do have neutral at midnight, right? If so, and your control does not operate as I have described, you likely need a new control or a repair on yours's.

 

[mythx]

You do have neutral at midnight, right? If so, and your control does not operate as I have described, you likely need a new control or a repair on yours's.

Yeah, I have neutral at midnight. I was going to open it up this weekend and see if I can gain an understanding of how it works. Perhaps there's something I can do.

Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Sounds about normal to me.

Throttle increase is further forward so that you can put it into gear, without accelerating.

But my neutral is a noon. The boat doesn't go out at midnight.

 

[mythx]

Sounds about normal to me.

Throttle increase is further forward so that you can put it into gear, without accelerating.

But my neutral is a noon. The boat doesn't go out at midnight.

Thanks, that's good to know.

Is there any sort of maintenance I should be doing with this? Does the cable require any greasing? I know when I move the lever, it sounds/feels dry. It moves OK, though I don't have any boating experience to compare it with.

Thanks

 

[roscoe]

won't hurt to pop open the control box and grease the pivot points and cable ends with a little light grease.
I wouldn't worry about the cables themselves.

 

[Chris1956]

Grease the stainless steel ends of the cables where they ride into the brass cable barrels. There are a couple of plastic "knobs" that ride in the grooves of the throttle disc. See if they are broken or worn.