1997 4s 50hp revs in neutral

jjjewett

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
31
Hello,

I have a new to me 1997 Merc 50hp 4-stroke 4cyl.

After the motor warm up, when i shift it into Netural, it will rev to 2500rpms.
It doesnt seem to do it when the motor is cold, so I assume it isnt the idle adjustment on the shifter.

any ideas?

-john
 

verado7

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
511
Re: 1997 4s 50hp revs in neutral

i was gonna be funny and say dont start it in gear anymore- but.....all kidding aside -

pump up the primer bulb and hold it firm when it gets hard -does it defllate really quick ?

check the carb mount and gasket area - possible air leak

could just be something sticking like the advance arm bolt is part siezed - spray all the linkages with wd40 and any part that you can see move with the throttle and work it back and forth a few times then re-check - its gotta be something like that .
 

jjjewett

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
31
Re: 1997 4s 50hp revs in neutral

thanks.

it is strange.

i can troll in forward at idle speed all day, but as soon as I shift into neutral, the rpms double.

i will check out the advance arm bolt and other moving parts in that area. maybe i will have my girlfriend shift it into neutral and i can look at it with the cowling off.
 

verado7

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
511
Re: 1997 4s 50hp revs in neutral

another thought here - check where the shift linkage is fastened inside the cowl to see if its loose - also the cable itself might need replacing -it looses its spring after awhile and maybe its not fully returning throttle.
 

jjjewett

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
31
Re: 1997 4s 50hp revs in neutral

Thanks for the reply.

I bought a used binnacle control unit, perhaps this is failing.

The cables are new.

-JJ
 
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