Stiff Throttle

[jvoigt]

Hi everyone. I own a 1996 Regal with a 4.3 Mercruiser and I am having issues with my controller. When the controller is in the neutral position, the throttle moves very smooth and easy. However, when I put the boat in to gear it becomes very, very difficult to throttle in the forward position, but yet works relatively easy when in the reverse position. My local marine told me this is pretty typical with older Mercruiser control units and it sounds like it needs to be replaced. Does anyone out there think differently? Thanks.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Stiff Throttle

The problem could be in the actual shift control or it could be in one of the cables.

You have two cables going from the control to the back of the boat.

One of them is for the throttle and the other one shifts the outdrive through some linkage on the engine, then to another cable down to the drive.

First of all take a look at the "ADULTS ONLY" sticky at the top of this forum. With your engine and drive serial numbers find the manual and download it.

The manual should have trouble shooting for the shift system.



Regards,


Rick

 

[jvoigt]

Re: Stiff Throttle

Thanks Rick. I am kind of new to this posting thing. I'll take a look and see what I find out. Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stiff Throttle

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,....

Have you done a water test, or is this just on the trailer,..?? Motor Running,..??
You probably need a Cable,...if the motor was running...

 

[jvoigt]

Re: Stiff Throttle

Yeah it is present while running on the water. If it is the cable, why is it fine when in nuetral but stiff when in gear?

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Stiff Throttle

Yeah it is present while running on the water. If it is the cable, why is it fine when in nuetral but stiff when in gear?

My SWAG would be that section of the cable, the 3 or 4 inches it needs to travel to give you forward throttle is binding, corroded or any other issue.
The entire cable should travel fairly smoothly through all positions..

I bet a new cable solves your problem, at least that is where I would start.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Stiff Throttle

And where are my manners?
Welcome Aboard..
Lots of great minds here that do boat repairs for a living, or a close facsmile..lol

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stiff Throttle

If it is the cable, why is it fine when in nuetral but stiff when in gear?

Ayuh,... Because it's the Shift cable,+ Not the throttle cable...

You have a combination controller, Right,..??