Merc 115 shift linkage problem

[eric88gt]

I've got a 1974 mercury 115 that i just picked up, it starts and runs excellent but won't go WOT. It started out not having reverse, so i adjusted the cable so that it would shift into reverse, and now i lost even more throttle but i do have reverse. Is this nothing more than a worn out cable or is there something else i can adjust? Thanks

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Merc 115 shift linkage problem

Your shifting problem is completely unrelated to the throttle problem. There are two separate cables, one for shift and one for throttle. The two do not interact. The controller, when shifting, moves the shift linkage first then moves the throttle linkage.

How are you determining that it is not reaching WOT? Tach or by ear?

Is the controller a MerControl type?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc 115 shift linkage problem

The cables may be reversed.

 

[eric88gt]

Re: Merc 115 shift linkage problem

It is a MerControl box, we determined it can't be going WOT by ear and by feel. The same boat went just as fast with an 80hp merc of the same era last year. I did order a tach and it'll be here on monday so then i can get some rpm numbers hopefully. It sure sounds like it's not turning many rpm's though, as if it's about 60-70 percent throttle...

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Merc 115 shift linkage problem

Chris1956 makes a good point. IF the cables are switched where they are connected to the motor that might explain whats happening.

Remove the wrap around cowling from the motor. Have a helper slowly move the controller from neutral to forward while you watch the linkages on the port side of the motor.

There are two connection points on the motor for the cables. 1) There is a long horizontal slider running front to back on the port side that is connected to the the shift linkage located directly under the carbs. This is the shift cable linkage.
2) There is a large vertical lever on the port side. The top connects to the distributor and the bottom connects to the throttle cable. This is the throttle cable linkage.

The first thing to move should be the shift linkage. If the throttle linkage moves before the shift linkage, then the cables are switched.