Erratic RPM at idle-Throttle cable play

[jakestevens]

1999 3.0L Mercruiser bowrider with Quicksilver 3000 controls. With the engine at idle, I push the "throttle only" button and increase the throttle. When I return to the locked idle position the RPM's are around 1500 to 1800. When I push on the lever on the carburetor which closes the butterflies, RPM's will back down close to normal. There is no noticable movement in the butterflies. It seems that the throttle cable has play which prevents holding correct amount of pressure on the lever to keep control of the throttle.
The engaging of the control handle does have some play past the neutral(idle) position. I'm wondering if I need to take a look into the control box for any loose assemblies with the throttle cable.

 

[Bondo]

1999 3.0L Mercruiser bowrider with Quicksilver 3000 controls. With the engine at idle, I push the "throttle only" button and increase the throttle. When I return to the locked idle position the RPM's are around 1500 to 1800. When I push on the lever on the carburetor which closes the butterflies, RPM's will back down close to normal. There is no noticable movement in the butterflies. It seems that the throttle cable has play which prevents holding correct amount of pressure on the lever to keep control of the throttle.
The engaging of the control handle does have some play past the neutral(idle) position. I'm wondering if I need to take a look into the control box for any loose assemblies with the throttle cable.

Ayuh,.... Disconnect the cable from the carb, turn the cable end out, lengthenin' the cable abit, 'n put it back together,.....

The cable should hold the throttle arm against the idle screw with a slight bit of tension,...

 

[jakestevens]

I tried that with same result. I disassembled the control box at the shifter to take look. Everything looked normal. I don't see any indication that the cable needs replaced. But it is the only thing that controls the opening and closing of the butterflies on the carb. Weird!