Throttle ? on 3.7

Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
12
Hello all.<br />I have a Merc 3.7/470 170hp in my 78 SeaRay that I just got about a month ago. When i started her up on a set of muffs (first time it had run in a year) I noticed that you had to put the throttle half way forward before the RPM's (and the linkage to the carb would move) would go up.. I doubt this is normal (or is it?). Shouldnt the linkage start to move at about 1/4 forward? what is the proper way to adjust the linkage?<br /><br />This is my first boat that I got for a steal at $800 it's a 1978 SeaRay SRV 195.. I have been working on all the cosmetic stuff for the last few weeks and she is coming along great! I got the hull back in shape using Maguires Color Restore and followed with #56 wax, sanded down the greyed teak and am getting ready to put a clear gloss varnish on that and I have been getting all the faded vinyl replaced which has led to remanufacturing the wood under the panels due to rot.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Throttle ? on 3.7

best thing you can do is buy a manual there are many areas of the linkage that have to be adjusted in the correct order to move the carb and gear shift linkage for correct shifting<br /><br />the manual will help you to be sure that all the orginal parts are still on the motor and were there may be play<br /><br />tommays
 
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
12
Re: Throttle ? on 3.7

One thing that is puzzling me though is that I have a receipt from when the previous owner had the boat in the shop last year shortly before he stopped using it that the outdrive was not shifting and leaking oil..he had it repaired and they replaced the aft shift cable, new upper drive yoke seal, replaced water pump,changed gear oil, replaced water pick up hose, and repaired groun cable....should'nt the throttle cables have been adjusted along with the shifting (arent they on the same lines??)<br />Yeah I have been meaning to get the manuals Im just in debate between the Seloc hard book or go with the Internet option....
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Throttle ? on 3.7

No, the shift and throttle are only in the same unit at the controller where the handle is. From there it splits into 2 cables, 1 for shift and one for throttle. The shift cable that was replaced was one of 2 shift cables and was the one from the drive to the engine where it connects to the shift plate and shift interrupt system and the other shift cable.......Nothing to do with throttle.<br />As Tom mentioned, there are numerous adjustments in the shift cable (both ends) plus the linkage on the carb itself.<br />I would suggest you get the Mercruiser manuals, they are much better than the aftermarket manuals. They give you much more detailed information, but also cost more. Plus you need one for the engine and another for the drive.
 
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