Mercontrols problem for 1972 Merc 500

[Hukeedo]

Ok, this is strange to me, this is my first merc and I just put it on the boat and took it out today for test run before i take the wife and kids out this weekend for tubing.
I hooked the controls up the way the guy told me to that i bought it from and here is what is going on. First, It started right up, then after it warmed up, i drew back the smaller black lever back to the down position. Then i went to engage the (large) lever (throttle?) and put it in forward and it just did nothing and then died on me. SO I started it again, (after repeated tries) and it started and did the same thing. So It sounded like it was getting no fuel. I kept priming the bulb and it started and ran. I took the cover off and disconnected the cable that controls the small lever (Timing?) and i turned that by hand and with the throttle all the way down in forward, as i turned the (Dist. mech) it took off like a bat out of hell and ran great. I hooked it back up and used the small lever for a throttle instead of the bigger one which i think is what it does. I hooked the cables up right, does anyone know what is going on here? Will it hurt to run it like that?

 

[jake505]

Re: Mercontrols problem for 1972 Merc 500

yea i wouldn't run it like that. the problem could be the guy sold you a broken control the small lever on the side that sort of recesses in when you push it down is for starting all that controls is the throttle you use it rev the engine a little in neutral so the engine can warm up before you start running then once its warmed up and can idle with out stalling you put it back down the large main lever has two actions one is to control the throttle and also to shift into forward and reverse. if its is working correctly when you either push forward or pull back it will first go into gear either forward or reverse then the farther you push it the farther the throttle goes however if you pull that little lever up when you have it in gear you can break the controller if you force it they're not the best controller as is but if you have a engine in good working order it should do the trick

 

[Hukeedo]

Re: Mercontrols problem for 1972 Merc 500

Thanks for replying Jake, I really appreciate the info.Can I replace the controls with anything else? Can I buy newer ones or is there a good replacement?

 

[jake505]

Re: Mercontrols problem for 1972 Merc 500

yea theres all different types of replacement controls. you can check out and see what Morse has they sell aftermarket controls in every shape and size. you have a few different choices when you pick a new shifter. one could be to go with a dual lever single action where one lever is for shifting into forward or reverse and then the other lever is for the throttle. if you dont like having to use the two levers you could always opt for a signle lever dual function where one lever shifts and controls the throttle. These are just like the mercontrol you have, if you opt for one of these make sure it that the throttle portion moves in the direction you need it to I believe that engine needs the cable to be pulled to throttle up where as with most other engines it pushes the cable but I believe the universal controls can be used for either. Controls tend to get a little pricey so expect to spend a little money.

I dont know if you put the cables in that mercontrol that you have but you may want to take it apart and look it may be that it wasnt assembled right and that is why it wont throttle up when you push it forward or back. I think this maybe the case because usually you cant shift but you can throttle but in your case you cant throttle up but you can shift so it might be worth a shot cant hurt it if its already broke anyway heres a expansion diagram of it, not the greatest pic but might help.

 

[Hukeedo]

Re: Mercontrols problem for 1972 Merc 500

Thanks so much Jake, great info and guidance. I'll look into the morse ones, i've heard some good things about them. I believe you may right about the assembly being backwards or just rigged, seems like the levers are doing the opposite of what they are intended for. Thanks for the diagram, I am going to take it apart tommorow and check it. I 'll post my results.
Thanks again.