how to test hard to move throttle?

[stackz]

one of the only pieces that is still original on my 1990 thundercraft is the control box and throttle cables. I figure its easiest while its cold to test this stuff before next season.

whats the best way to test to see if its the control box versus the cables themselves?

I'm thinking easiest is to just unhook the cables from the engine and the controls and push/pull on them but I'm not sure just how free they should move when they are deemed "good".

at the same time I can also just go through the motions on the control box and I would "assume" for a good box that it should move fairly easily, such as easy as the steering is. I hadnt been out in the boat for about 4 years before this past year so its foggy in my mind what they used to feel like but I know that I have to push pretty darn hard on the controls to get up in throttle and it can be a pain coming out of neutral either way due to sticking so I know something is up.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how to test hard to move throttle?

If you are trying to move the lever without the engine running that's mistake #1. Clutch dogs will not allow shifting if they are not lined up. Have someone turn the prop by hand or else start the motor on muffs while working on the controls.

There is a friction adjust knob on the front of a control box. Jimmy Knob Twiddler maybe screwed it all the way down. Loosen it if you feel the throttle is working too hard.

Disconnect the cables at the engine. If the lever moves freely they are good. If it still works hard then open the control box and look for binding. Lubricate as necessary. Shift the engine by hand. If it shifts easily after you overcome the detend that end is ok. If not, there may be a lower unit issue.

 

[stackz]

Re: how to test hard to move throttle?

I only shift it when the engine is running.

went through the lower unit recently and only put about 6 hr on it since and it was doing the problem before. lower was just fine.

I'll give the friction adjust a whirl and open up the control box again and look for lube points that may need to be addressed.

when you say disconnect the cables and shift the engine by hand...you do mean while running right? I'm pretty sure thats what you mean but just gotta make sure lol.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how to test hard to move throttle?

If you disconnect the shift cable at the engine and try to shift the engine with the engine NOT running it is the same as trying to shift it with the cable connected. So yes, have the engine running. If it still shifts hard you have a lower unit/shift linkage issue.. Did you move the shift/throttle lever with the cables disconnected at the engne? If so -- how did it work? Free or tight