Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

[relo]

Recently I had my '89 out on the lake. I had the engine in neutral. When I went to put it in gear, the contols seemed to lock up. I posted earlier on the locked Morse control and got some good advice which I followed. I disconnected the cables at the engine end to check motion. Everything seemed clear and operating smoothly. I reconnected the cables. The engine fired and almost immediatley went into a runaway status. I cut the key immediately. I have rechecked the motion of the linkage and the cam from the throttle arm. It seems the throttles will not close all the way. I have checked for obstructions, and can't find any. My manual doesn't list this symptom. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. I have attempted to restart a couple of times but it acts like the thtrottle is wide open.

 

[ImNu2Boats]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

Check to see that you didn't accidently reverse the cables. If you did it might feel like it's going into forward o.k. but if you try to put it in reverse it will seem like the travel of the control is short.

I did this myself on a 91 Mariner 100 but caught it before I started it.

 

[relo]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

2 boats: I don't think I messed that up as I only disconnected one cable at a time. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[film495]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

I just did this today on a throttle cable, when I started the motor it would fly away and race, turned out I had connected the cable wrong on the control end and was starting the motor at WOT.

 

[relo]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

Film: I did not disconnect the control end of the cables at all. With the throttle cable disconnected at the motor end, it seems the throttle won't completely close. In the idle position, there is probably a full inch gap between the "button" on the linkage on the carbs and the "arm" that is activated by the throttle cable mechanism. My factory manual doesn't show this piece of the assembly so I don't have the correct terms. So, I'm still in the dark. Thanks

 

["G"]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral

If you still have an inch of clearance between the "button" on the end of the idle screw (when you are in neutral/ throttle off position) and the throttle stop your cable is not adjusted correctly. Turn the barrel nut until it slips into the holder with just a little resistance. Once adjusted, check it by pushing your throttle WO and see that you are getting WOT at the carbs.

This is all assuming you didn't screw with the timing settings... When all else fails, look at that manual and go through the timing syncronization process. If the timing is too far advanced you'll be wishing you had done this first. An ounce of prevention = a pound of cure.

 

[relo]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral--Fixed!!

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral--Fixed!!

Thanks for everyone's help. The problem has been found and fixed. Started taking the linkage apart since I couldn't find why the carbs wouldn't close all the way. Apparently, as some point in time, the lower end of the top linkage broke off so there was only one screw holding it in place. Someone installed a black zip tie around the two overlapping ends of the of the linkage bar. When I put the boat in neutral, apparently the zip tie slipped and would impinge on another hidden zip tie around the gas line to the carb, keeping the linkage bar from allowing the carbs to fully close. Moved things around, installed a stainless hose clamp on the linkage and Presto, no hangups. Boat runs great! Thanks again.

 

[ImNu2Boats]

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral--Fixed!!

Re: Mariner 100 runaway in neutral--Fixed!!

Thanks for everyone's help. The problem has been found and fixed. Started taking the linkage apart since I couldn't find why the carbs wouldn't close all the way. Apparently, as some point in time, the lower end of the top linkage broke off so there was only one screw holding it in place. Someone installed a black zip tie around the two overlapping ends of the of the linkage bar. When I put the boat in neutral, apparently the zip tie slipped and would impinge on another hidden zip tie around the gas line to the carb, keeping the linkage bar from allowing the carbs to fully close. Moved things around, installed a stainless hose clamp on the linkage and Presto, no hangups. Boat runs great! Thanks again.

That's a definte "You had to be there" trouble shootin quiz... Good job figuring it out.