Fast idle lever on '93 Mercury 115HP

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convergent

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
385
I just bought a '93 boat with Mercury 115HP. The controller has a flat lever on the top that the prior owner told me you lift up for fast idle. His mechanic told me that when I start it up cold, I should crank it for a few seconds, then push in the key for choke, and it should start up... then to lift the fast idle lever for it to warm up. I am not sure that I'm getting much difference in idle when I lift that lever. Should it be a lot higher RPM, or just a subtle change. Is there a way with this boat to rev the engine up in neutral more than this if I wanted to do that... not that I'd think this would be something I'd do often? I just want to understand how this lever worked.
 
C

convergent

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
385
Re: Fast idle lever on '93 Mercury 115HP

Turns out I wasn't really pushing the lever up far enough... it moves freely a little ways and then it takes a harder push to get it to actually throttle up a bit. Finally figured that out. I felt kind of silly.
 
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emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
Re: Fast idle lever on '93 Mercury 115HP

Yup, those do require some effort to pull up. More so than the older control boxes. But they seem to work a lot smoother.

One thought on the choke, it's actually a primer setup that operates off fuel pressure. When you push in the key, the primer solenoid is activated and that opens a passage to dump fuel directly into the motor. A lot better setup than a choke and helps the motor kick off faster.

Keep in mind that you need to hold the key in until the motor starts, then let off and if it dies, give the primer another shot; repeat until it'll run without sputtering, then you can ease off on the fast idle 'til she runs smoothly. By that time it should be warmed up enough for a minute or so of idling in gear then a gentle takeoff. Giving the motor a chance to warm up a bit before hittin' the throttle hard reduces engine wear and your motor will like you better!

HTH and have a good Memorial Day Weekend. We're praying for less rain and more sun here in W. Washington!!!!............ed
 
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