Merc Controller

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andrewkafp

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
Messages
1,668
Have early 80's Merc 50.<br /><br />When I put the lever forward, the forward gear engages no problem, but doesn't start to rev until pushed another 2". So the whole system seems to need some sort of adjustment.<br />Full forward throttle is more than horizontal, it's another 2" forward.<br />In other words, if neutral is 0deg, full throttle is -130deg if that makes sense.<br />Although engine seems to respond ok and when checking engine, the throttle stop screw bottoms out. As the Clymer shows nothing about the controller, thought I'd ask the real experts.<br />Can it be adjusted. and how ??
 
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Ed.Ski

Cadet
Joined
Jun 7, 2003
Messages
9
Re: Merc Controller

I have a standard single lever control. According to the service manual, maximum forward travel is more than 90 deg from neutral. Mine works the same way.
 
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Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Merc Controller

It all sounds pretty normal. Does your carbys open completely when the lever reaches full - no matter the angle?<br /><br />The sequence of the remote box (neutral - gear - throttle) takes some space between tasks to ensure that gears are completely engaged before adding power. <br /><br />If you watch the linkage on the motor closely you'll be able to see if the box pulls without slack. If you have a little play at each end this will add up to some, but still better this than a too tight system. Does the lever hit neutral on the same place (straight up where the 'click' is) when coming from forward and reverse? If so it isn't badly misadjusted.<br /><br />If ya like the box is quite simple to take apart and you may find a little wear in each of several places. I've seen boxes with a little play here and there and getting all the parts made it too expensive. Apart from the extended lever-travel it worked just fine.
 
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andrewkafp

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 15, 2003
Messages
1,668
Re: Merc Controller

Thanks UU<br /><br />Yeah, it does "click" into neutral and is always vertical. I had a helper push it forward as I checked the linkages and it engages forward, then pushes the maximum spark lever all the way to the stop, and then the second (full throttle) lever goes right to the stop screw.<br />By then it's way past 90 deg, but still works OK.<br />The funny thing was.. the first time I took this boat out, I had the thing at about 90deg,with 4000 on the Tacho, thinking it was near flat out but not knowing it had 1500 rpm left.. :eek: <br /><br />Ahh these boating newbies ehh ?? :D
 
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Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: Merc Controller

On my first Merc (35 hp 2-cyl in 1965) the lever pointed straight to the floor when flat out.<br /><br />My current 115 goes a little more than 90 degrees. It is different boxes, different motors etc.<br /><br />Don't worry 'bout newbie questions... as long as the problem is well described it's great fun to be able to help.<br /><br />Have a good one :)
 
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