neutral throttle lever?

[tsutter]

Hi folks:<br /><br />I recently got a new boat and am almost just as recent into boating, so I'm trying to find out all I can. <br /><br />The question I have is in regards to starting my motor. The starting instructions for my 1969 Merc 350 are posted on the transom mounting bracket. In it they indicate that the neutral throttle lever should be in the raised position prior to starting. I believe this lever is black in color and are located on the top and back of the remote control box. What is the function of this lever? Should I move the lever back down after the motor is started and before I put the boat into forward?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: neutral throttle lever?

Yes, raise the lever about half way prior to starting, choke it and hit the key. You may have to adjust the fast idle lever after it starts for proper RPM's until warmed up. After it starts to run OK, push lever back down to idle speed and take off. Lever must be in the down position to operate the main throttle/shift lever. The lever raises the idle enough to keep the motor going until warm.

 

[tsutter]

Re: neutral throttle lever?

Thanks rickdb1boat for your reply.<br /><br />I forgot to mention that I was able to reverse alright with this neutral throttle up, but although forward gear seemed to engage, it would not accelerate. Is this a normal situation for this motor? Will reverse still work with the lever raised?<br /><br />Sorry for all the questions, I'm just trying to understand a little more how this motor works.<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: neutral throttle lever?

That is normal. You need to have that lever all the way back down for the main throttle/shift lever to work in forward. Reverse will still work, but there should be no need to have it up once the motor warms up and starts running good. Those old mercs are cold blooded. and require some finess to keep them going when cold.