Classic Newbee

G

Gertel

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2010
Messages
1
I am the new owner of a classic 1973 Merc 85 HP outboard. A few questions/requests:

1. I need a true owners manual for this motor? Are they available? Where?

2. The motor starts with difficulty, but then it seems to run at idle okay. I have to move the throttle/gear shift ALL the way forward to get the motor to speed up more than an idle.

I think the linkage is not adjusted correctly because it doesn't seem like it's going into reverse properly either (seems like the gears may be slipping in reverse). The previous owner adjusted the linkage to get it to go into reverse when he owned the boat.

3. I'm unclear as to what the "small" lever is for in the throttle cluster.

4. I'm unclear how to properly operate the choke button in the throttle cluster.

5. The motor came with a 9x13 prop. Is this the correct size?

6. First (and only) time on the water, I pushed the throttle wide open and it responded as described above. The motor would not stay at full power for more than a few seconds after which it slowed to idle speed. I brought the shift/throttle lever back because I didn't know why it wouldn't stay at high speed. I did this 3 or 4 times before I called it a day. The previous owner says it always stayed at full throttle for him.

Ant help/information would be greatly appreciated.
 
D

duanemc

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
33
Re: Classic Newbee

hey there had the same problems sort of and the guys here got me through them :) I had to play with my linkage adjustments like crazy to finally get mine into reverse I also had to change out the shifter control houseing as I found when I went to go in reverse the cable would slip out of its place.What I finally ended up doing was switching out my throttle cable and shifter cable with each other (throttle cable was longer) and I adjusted the shifter cable all the way out and I had reverse back. Anyway there is a start but the guys here are awsome and they will get you going.
good luck Duane
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,340
Re: Classic Newbee

OK, You have several problems. The small lever on the MerControl is the Cold Start Lever.


Lets start with the cable adjustment. Remove the wrap cowl. Disconnect both control cables. Set the MerControl to the 12 o'Clock positon, cold start lever down. This is neutral. Move the control forward and note which cable moves first. That is the shift cable. Move the shift slider on the motor to the center. The gearcase should click and stay in neutral. Connect the shift cable, and adjust the plastic barrel nuts to fit the clamp in the front of the shift slide.

Push the throttle arm to the rear. The carbs should close, and you should hit the idle stop. Now install the throttle cable, adjusting the barrel nut to fit the top hole in the clamp.

Advance the throttle all the way and see if the carbs open all the way. If not, you need to do a link and synch.


To start the cold motor. Pump the primer bulb until firm. Lift the cold start lever all the way. Hold down the choke button and crank her until she starts. You may need to push the choke button a few times until she warms up.
 
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