1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

[ShawnQ]

I am looking at buying a used boat (still), and ran across the 'perfect' boat for me. Everything I want. Cheap, good condition, runs good (with recent rebuild and receipts), looks good, etc...<br /><br />There are a few nit-pick problems...the most annoying to follow:<br /><br />The gentleman who owns the boat had the throttle and steering cables replaced a few months back, and when he got the boat back from the dealer, he said that the throttle was never right. To put the boat in 'neutral', the binnacle mount lever has to be 3/4 of the way down, when it should be in the middle.<br /><br />To start the boat, you have to jiggle the throttle around to 'find' neutral, until it will crank over. Then, once it is running, due to neutral being so low...you can only get about 1/4 out of your reverse gear, making it hard to back up and even harder to get off the trailer.<br /><br />Could this be a simple cable adjustment, or is the wrong cable installed?<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />Any more info you need to help me out?<br /><br />I am trying to figure out how much this could cost before I make an offer on the boat. He said he took it back to the dealer, but it wasn't until a few months later and they have a 30day warranty (bad dealer!)<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

Shawn....if the control was working OK prior to the installation of the new cables, then I would say the installation was not done correctly and the dealership should make it right for the owner regardless of warranty. This is a safety issue here and is nothing to take chances with. This is all dependent on if the controls were working prior to the new installation. It shouldn't be a large issue to have a trusted wrench take a look and see what the problem is and get a price on repairs before you make an offer.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

OBJim is correct, it may only be an adjustment of the cables.<br /><br />If the gearcase had been removed around that time, there is an important adjustment of the shift rod height that is critical and may be "off" also.<br /><br />Neither problem is a big deal if that's all that has to be done. A QUALIFIED tech would be able to care care of both problems within about 2 hours or so.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

I am a fairly mechanically inclined young man (or at least I like to think so. I've put two ford mustangs down the 1/4mile rather quickly all on my own!)<br /><br />Would I be able to tackle the throttle linkage adjustment on my own?<br /><br />I assume the lower end was detached from the powerhead when the owner had it rebuilt. I am not sure if he had the cables done at the same time or not...I'll have to ask.<br /><br />So, it could be either:<br />A) Cable needs adjusting/possible wrong cable<br />B) Shift Linkage not adjusted properly<br /><br />Anything else?<br /><br />Thanks guys! Gotta love the OMC section, you get a lot more response, and a lot faster!<br /><br />Shawn

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

Shawn...nothing magic about the job but a service manual is a must. OEM preferrred. It will guide you through much of the care of the engine and repairs.<br /><br />Keep us posted.

 

[Bryant Davis]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

Shawn...<br /><br />When you pull the throttle back into Neutral, even though the lever appears 1/4 down does it "click" into neutral position? If so, there is a round black ring on the control box (between the box and lever) with three screws that adjusts where the lever sits in the neutral position. It is made for mounting the control box at different angles. If that is the case, about an hours time (at most) and relocating three screws should fix the problem. Doesn't sound like anything major to me, but I do however agree that the dealer (or shop..whatever) that did the repair should have taken the responsibility.<br /><br />Bryant

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 90hp V4-Binnacle Mount Throttle Problems

Bryant, It doesn't click/lock into neutral when it is in neutral. So, I think it is a cable problem more so then the binnacle lever problem. <br /><br />I am taking a friend of mine who is an outboard mechanic to check it out today. We are also going to do a compression test and check out the boat structurally and see how it all looks.<br /><br />Thanks for the help guys, I'll let you know something after this evening.<br /><br />Shawn