Mercontrol assembly

[Rulost]

I bought a 1970 Duracraft, with a '74 Merc 50 on it, that had been sitting for 6 years. Of course the engine and boat wiring harnesses were shot, so I just replaced them and I am having a problem putting the controller back together. I downloaded the service manual, but the pictures in it are too grainy for me to really tell what position everything has to be in as it goes together. The first time I put it together, the shift side worked fine, but the throttle would not advance in forward. It actually seemed to work good in reverse. I didn't want to run the engine more than a few seconds since I haven't replaced the water pump yet. Since the rain has me shut down, I figured I'd see if anyone has pictures, or a link to where I can find good pictures of how this goes back together. Any tips or tricks would also be appreciated. I will try to attach a pic of my unit, but it's the black controller/blue label, with a warm up lever and shift/throttle lever. Thanks for any help.

 

[GA_Boater]

I haven't found any good pics either, Rulost.

I usually put the halves together in neutral with the warm-up lever fully down. As I get the halves closed, I gently move the throttle forward and reverse until the halves snap closed.

The neutral detent barrel is a pain to get lined up. For that I don't push the barrel and two flat springs all the way in. That seems to allow lining it up easier. But watch out for the barrel when it starts flying, it always rolls out of sight..

 

[Rulost]

Thanks GA_Boater. I will try it that way when the weather clears out. I'd hate to take it back apart and the rain start back up. When you say neutral, what position are you placing the throttle in? Idle? Having tried to use the picture in the manual I downloaded, I have moved it several times.
As for the detent barrel, one of the previous owners lost that when they changed the ignition switch before. I am going to try to order a new one when I get some other parts. When I do, I will be sure to remember your warning.

 

[GA_Boater]

Neutral is the control handle straight up. At the top of your picture I can see |N|. That's where I position the handle and move it a little fore and aft until it clicks together.

It took me a week to find the detent barrel, It flew out of the boat and rolled away. :facepalm:

 

[Rulost]

Thanks, but I mean the throttle cable, not the shifter side. With the control already apart, was your throttle cable in the idle position when you put it back together? Mine has been apart and the throttle moved back and forth before this. The manual shows a position that the throttle should be in when put together, but I can't see it clearly enough to determine where it is. I think that may be part of the reason I'm having a problem with the throttle not advancing in forward. Goes into gear fine, just cant accelerate the engine unless it's in reverse. Then it works perfect.

 

[GA_Boater]

In idle, warm up lever fully down and the shifter in neutral because they work together When you run the motor, does lifting the warm up lever increase motor speed?

 

[Rulost]

The warm up lever made no difference before, but I "think" that was because of the way I put it together. I took it apart and tried again yesterday afternoon, but haven't gotten a chance to run it yet to see if it makes a difference. I do see the distributor move now when I advance the throttle in forward, so I'm taking that as a good sign. Before, it would only advance in reverse. I will try it tomorrow after I go get a water pump and get it installed. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks!

 

[GA_Boater]

Yes, that's a good sign. Good luck after the new pump install.

 

[Rulost]

Thanks!