Throttle lever issues. Replace or repair

jonny rotten

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
345
33-year-old Morse throttle lever. After lay-up issues. New lower cable a couple years ago. Goes into forward fine does not go into reverse unless I push on the centerpiece while engaging. Then it works fine but not something I want to deal with on the ramp. Nothing is grinding I'm confident everything is adjusted correctly with the barrels. The button basically does nothing it comes in and out without it and is sort of Rock solid without a button feel... Anyway of repairing this? Does it just need lube somewhere. I worked on the boat plenty but have never messed with the throttle
 

Attachments

  • 20230516_133511.jpg
    20230516_133511.jpg
    511.5 KB · Views: 6

flashback

Captain
Joined
Jun 28, 2002
Messages
3,963
If you're sure of the barrel adjustment then the cable itself is stretched beyond it's limit. You may be able to fudge the barrel adjustment and get it working..
 

jonny rotten

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
345
If you're sure of the barrel adjustment then the cable itself is stretched beyond it's limit. You may be able to fudge the barrel adjustment and get it working..
If I push the throttle lever in it works fine stays in gear and revs up and everything else.. with no grinding going into gear.. I'm thinking it has to have something to do with the old lever
 

flashback

Captain
Joined
Jun 28, 2002
Messages
3,963
I guess it could be, but a 33 year old cable is my guess.. there's excess slop somewhere.
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
Probably not going to find any replacement parts save for finding a complete remote assy of the same vintage in good shape.

If you can source a copy of the mercury remote controls manual you can see a schematic of your remote. Disassemble and see if it's repairable/needs parts replaced

There are a few aftermarket models available (I think). Otherwise your most likely looking at a new mercury brand remote
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,362
If the problem is not going into reverse, you can raise the cable anchor to the top of the slot.
 

jonny rotten

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
345
Again, it goes in reverse fine. No grinding, pops right in as it should and stays in gear while I rev it up. The issue is I need to hold the throttle in with one hand while putting it in reverse or the throttle will stay in pulled out neutral position. Meaning it a 2 handed operation to put it into gear. Only in reverse, forward is normal
 

nola mike

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
5,362
Again, it goes in reverse fine. No grinding, pops right in as it should and stays in gear while I rev it up. The issue is I need to hold the throttle in with one hand while putting it in reverse or the throttle will stay in pulled out neutral position. Meaning it a 2 handed operation to put it into gear. Only in reverse, forward is normal
Sorry, misunderstood. Certainly a throttle issue, but you'd have to take it apart to find out what. Not familiar with the internals, but my wag is that there's a plastic gear in there that's worn. If the throttle doesn't "pop" back, then more likely a lubrication issue.
Edit: still can't really make sense of your post though. Which button are you talking about? That model you pull the whole lever out for neutral throttle, right?
 

jonny rotten

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
345
Probably not going to find any replacement parts save for finding a complete remote assy of the same vintage in good shape.

If you can source a copy of the mercury remote controls manual you can see a schematic of your remote. Disassemble and see if it's repairable/needs parts replaced

There are a few aftermarket models available (I think). Otherwise your most likely looking at a new mercury brand remote
I actually have the original service manual for the controller.
Sorry, misunderstood. Certainly a throttle issue, but you'd have to take it apart to find out what. Not familiar with the internals, but my wag is that there's a plastic gear in there that's worn. If the throttle doesn't "pop" back, then more likely a lubrication issue.
Edit: still can't really make sense of your post though. Which button are you talking about? That model you pull the whole lever out for neutral throttle, right?
Ya you pull it out for neutral. I pulled it out of the boat. There are exactly zero parts available for this controller anywhere...I'm looking for a new controller now. Everything I read seems like I should buy a OEM controller and not aftermarket
 

dubs283

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2005
Messages
5,322
Everything I read seems like I should buy a OEM controller and not aftermarket

Not sure there's too much available aftermarket anyways

You may find a used mercury control on ebay or online somewhere. They're fairly decent controls even used. Just avoid the commander 3000 or older, no parts available, had issues, etc...

Of you go new mercruiser control you'll need new shift/throttle cables. The ends that connect to the new style controls are different from the old style you have
 

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,892
33-year-old Morse throttle lever. After lay-up issues. New lower cable a couple years ago. Goes into forward fine does not go into reverse unless I push on the centerpiece while engaging. Then it works fine but not something I want to deal with on the ramp. Nothing is grinding I'm confident everything is adjusted correctly with the barrels. The button basically does nothing it comes in and out without it and is sort of Rock solid without a button feel... Anyway of repairing this? Does it just need lube somewhere. I worked on the boat plenty but have never messed with the throttle
Layup may have allowed corrosion or restriction somewhere else. Disconnect carb linkage and test if lever moves w/o excessive resistance.
 
Top