1996 115hp tracker. Won't rev up when in gear.

[snider7]

I have a 1996 115hp mercury tracker motor. It will rev up to 6000 rpm's when in neutral. When I put it in gear and take the pontoon boat out it will only rev up to 3000 rpm's. What could be the problem?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Check for a strong spark at each cylinder. Meanwhile NEVER NEVER rev an outboard to high RPMs in neutral or out of the water. Its a very good way to kill yourself.

 

[Georgesalmon]

In neutral there is no load. In gear there is a load. Revving up in neutral doesn't mean anything. Lots of things it could be. I'd start with a compression test, if good move on to the fuel system. Could be as simple as carb adjustment, or dirty fuel filter. Get a manual.

 

[snider7]

Thanks guys

 

[Nathan Bond]

Check for a strong spark at each cylinder. Meanwhile NEVER NEVER rev an outboard to high RPMs in neutral or out of the water. Its a very good way to kill yourself.

Just curious about the danger of high RPMs in neutral, why is that?

 

[snider7]

I have a 1996 115hp mercury tracker motor. It will rev up to 6000 rpm's when in neutral. When I put it in gear and take the pontoon boat out it will only rev up to 3000 rpm's. What could be the problem?

If I give it full throttle it only goes to 3000 rpm's Normally full throttle is 5-6000rpm's.. When I back the throttle down half way it will start to idle down. It runs great at 2000 rpm's

Is this bad for the motor with the problem I have to cruise around at 2000rpm's??

 

[Nathan Bond]

I'm having the exact same issue with my 2005 115. Just started this last Saturday on the way back to the marina. Won't throttle about 2400 rpm. I wouldn't run it that way, as if you are having a fuel delivery issue and running lean you could burn up a cylinder. It's probably either a fuel delivery issue or a spark issue. Since mine is at a marina, I'll have to wait until the week-end to figure it out. I've already eliminated the gas and fuel tank/anti-syphon valve as the issue.