I am Outboard Stupid. Have questions!

[BlueLightSpecial]

My fire dept. recently purchased a 26ft tritoon, with a 1988 mercury 150hp ob. On the controls, there is a lever on the top, when pulled up, seems to lock the throttle lever. What is the purpose of this lever? Also, I tried to pull out on the throttle lever, to free rev the engine, but it did not pull out. How do I free rev without putting it in gear? Thanks for your answers in advance. Not new to boats, just ob's. Never had an ob, so I am a rookie with outboards.:facepalm:

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: I am Outboard Stupid. Have questions!

First..... you can not free rev the OB and it is bad for the motor....

That is the fast idle/cold start lever and it will not allow the shift lever to be moved (locked out) until it is returned.

You should have the Dept invest in a manual.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: I am Outboard Stupid. Have questions!

Bob's probably correct, "Bluelight", but there may be a button at the base of the shifter that when pressed allows you to rev the engine in neutral, or at the top of the handle, a button underneath you can squeeze, which will do the same thing !!! Good luck.

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: I am Outboard Stupid. Have questions!

Thanks guys, I am not looking to rev it like a mad man, just may need to clear it out or something, maybe even a brief fast idle. Thanks for the speedy replies!