Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

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bullmercdw

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Oct 18, 2005
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Hi all. Here we go again. Another problem with the boat. I have a 1969 Skiffcraft with the 153ci 120hp Mercruiser I/O. The last trip out of 2005 something happened to reverse. I backed away from the dock, then when I got to our fishing spot, reverse didn't work. Yesterday I did what my manual said to do and removed the remote control cable from the transom plate. The shift handle went into forward to full throttle position with no problem. When I try reverse, it just engages and then will not let me throttle up past idle. According to the book this means it is a shift cable or control box issue. After searching my manual in all the spots I thought I would find the control box, I proceeded to go thru it page by page. Darn book doesn't say a thing about how to tear apart, inspect, repair and reinstal the cable or box. It is a mercury box. Single lever with a button in the middle of the base you can push to disengage the sterndrive and make it throttle only. The key is located on the dash. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. The bluefish and striper season will be here in New England very soon.<br />Thank you in advance,<br />David Westfall<br />"Cosmos Mariner"
 

rob935

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Mar 24, 2006
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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

had a similar problem with an 84 merc 120 few seasons ago turned out that the control box was badly worn and needed replacing but found it very hard to get a new or used one, also had trouble with the neutral button, ended up selling the boat, just have a look around and see if you can pick up a replacment box? best of luck..
 

Laddies

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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

With the control box cable disconnected from the lever on the transom plate see if the unit slifts alright moveing the lever that will tell you which end the problem is on and you can go from there. Most parts are available to repair Mercury boxes and the thought of selling the boat instead of repairing it is silly to say the lest.
 

bullmercdw

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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

Hi all. Here I am begging now. Obviously I am not going to sell my classic wooden boat that came to me from my father. I have already removed the cable from the transom plate and it did not go past idle in reverse. Does anyone else out there have a suggestion? Lubricate? Where? HEEEELLLLPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

You need Mercruiser sevice manual #2.....<br />It has detailed drawings & service procedures......<br />Have a assistant work the throttle while you observe....<br />Will it rev in reverse in the throttle only position?....JK
 

bullmercdw

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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

Great thing to check Haut! I never thought to isolate the throttle from the shifter. Could be because I have no idea how these things work. I know there are only 2 cables out of the control box. Just not sure how it all works. I tried reverse in throttle only and it still will not rev. Any suggestions what to do now?<br />David
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

when you try the throttle only, in reverse does it move the cable at the carb? if not you probably need a new cable
 

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

when you try the throttle only, in reverse does it move the cable at the carb? if not you probably need a new cable
 

hullofalottatrouble

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 16, 2005
Messages
306
Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

are you saying you can shift into gear in forward and reverse.. you can throttle up in forward but not throttle up at all in reverse?<br /><br />i would do as Haut suggests.. have someone else work the throttle while you watch and get a manual.. replacing a bad cable isnt the end of the world..
 

bullmercdw

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Oct 18, 2005
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Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

correct. shifts into forward and throttles up. Shifts into reverse, will not throttle up. Shifter stops as soon as it engages in reverse and will not move at all.
 

rebars1

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 23, 2004
Messages
744
Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

I am not an expert, but...make sure there is nothing blocking the travel of the shift levers on the shift plate. Mine had a similar problem until, with someone moving the throttle while I watched, I saw that a small bolt had fallen into the works and wedged itself into a position that would not let the arm travel all the way. <br /><br />Also, make sure it is shifting completely into reverse
 

Bondo

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71,095
Re: Disabled Vet needs contro box/cable info please

Originally posted by bullmercdw:<br /> correct. shifts into forward and throttles up. Shifts into reverse, will not throttle up. Shifter stops as soon as it engages in reverse and will not move at all.
That Sounds like the Shifting Cable Is working,......<br />And,.....<br />The Throttle Cable is Broken Inside it's sheath somewhere...........<br /><br />Disconnect the Throttle Cable from the Carb,+ Pull,+ Push on the End of the Inner Cable,+ See if you can induce any Play..........<br /><br />Either That,........<br />Or,.. The Controller has Issues INside the Box itself..................<br /><br />That's My Guess anyways............ :D
 
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