1989 Force 85HP will not return to idle. Can push idle screw back in. New Cables?

[Jlesinski]

Hello,

I just did a complete transom rebuild on my Spectrum 1700 to replace the wood core. After doing that, I mounted a replacement 1989 Force 85hp motor. I had previously had a 1989 Force 50hp motor on the boat before I started the transom rebuild.

The 85hp Force went on pretty easily. I used the original steering cable, shift cable and throttle cable on the 85hp motor as they appeared to be the same. The linkage all fit perfect and the motor fires right up.

However, the throttle seems pretty stiff, and it will not return to idle when I put it back in neutral. I can take a screwdriver and push on the idle set screw, and the linkage goes back in and it returns to idle.

I have the throttle cable screwed all the way back, and it seems like the return spring which is built into the cable works as it should. It almost seems like the length of cable is too long so the spring can't pull it back to idle even with it screwed all the way in.

it also seems like the linkage could be a little stiff. I took apart the bracket that holds it and greased it up, and the connection points at the top also.

Can anyone provide insight here? I don't know if maybe I need different cables, despite them seeming to fit? Is there an adjustment somewhere else that I should be looking at?

I am so close to having everything back together and dying to use the boat!

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Jlesinski]

OK so... I pulled apart the throttle lever assembly to take a look at it and see if there is an adjustment for the cable up front also. And, even though I hadn't touched it at all, it coincidentally has two machine screws missing nuts which hold the cable assembly in place. Without the screws holding it tight it was causing the cable to move out instead of back.

I have to pick up some new screws and nuts tomorrow as I don't have anything like these on hand, but I think I am on the right track here and I can adjust the cables up front if I need to.

I will post back later tomorrow if I fix it or if I need more help!

 

[jerryjerry05]

If it worked on the 50??
What cable connectors do you have?
One should be spring loaded and the other(shifter) should be a solid piece.
Post pics of the ones you have.

There are 2 solid types, one' about 1 1/4-1/2 " long and the other is about 2-3" long.
If you have these on the throttle cable, you need to screw them on and stretch it so it just slides over the ball.

 

[Jlesinski]

Jerry, thanks for you suggestions and continued help! After I put the throttle assembly back together and replaced the missing nuts, I greased up the throttle lever, cables and everything that moves on the front and back of the cables. It seems to be working great now! I ended up taking the wife and kids out to Silver Lake here in Western New York and we hung out and tubed all day. The 85hp Force really moves my Spectrum 1700! I am so glad that everything worked out after replacing the wood core in the transom and swapping the 50hp Force for the 85hp Force.

Thanks again for all of your help. I am sure I will be back.

Jim