high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

[bfan781]

When I start my engine (98 mariner 115 outboard) in neutral it idles at about 1700-1800 rpms. I realize that is quite high. When You throw it in forward gear, it drops to 1000 rpms. Which is about right, right? What should be done to troubleshoot this?

 

[sschefer]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

When I start my engine (98 mariner 115 outboard) in neutral it idles at about 1700-1800 rpms. I realize that is quite high. When You throw it in forward gear, it drops to 1000 rpms. Which is about right, right? What should be done to troubleshoot this?

In gear idle is 650.. 750 is max.

 

[Dave1027]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

Not normal. You may end up breaking something in the gears like that.
First verify the throttle plates are closed. Do a sync and link.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

The best way to deal with this is to do all the steps in the link and sync from beginning to end and in the correct order. This is important because each step/setting is dependent on all previous steps/settings being correct. If you try to fiddle with things out of order it will likely make things worse. Just my opinion...

 

[bfan781]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

ok I will. Is a lync and sync something I can do myself? I have the manual, but havent read through that section yet.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

Is a lync and sync something I can do myself?

You can do a linc and synce yourself if you have the tools and basic mechanical skills. I suggest that you read the manual and judge for yourself. It is best to use an OEM shop manual for guidance as it is generally more clear and easy to follow than a third party shop manual would be (e.g. Seloc, Clymer, etc.).

 

[milehighboater]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

Why do we not have a sticky for a link and sync?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

While link and sync is needed for all OB motors and the steps are similar, the specific settings and the what-to-do-exactly will vary with the model and sometimes the year of the motor. That is why you need a manual for your particular motor to know exactly what to do. A single forum sticky or FAQ could not provide all the information needed to cover all the different motors out there.

 

[bfan781]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

Getting ready to tackle this.

Could it be something with my throttle cable?

Someone mentioned Disconnecting the throttle cable to see if it drops the idle down.

Is that something I should check? How do you do that? While running or before starting?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

You need read the manual for your motor and follow the instructions on setting it up (cable adjustment, link and sync, etc). If you have done that and still have a problem with a particular instruction, then that is where this forum can help you the most. This forum can't satisfactorily substitute for not reading the manual, in my opinion.

 

[bfan781]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

I totally agree. I have the manual and plan to read it (probably a few times) I was just curious because I heard that someone had a similiar issue and they Disconnected the throttle cable and the idle dropped down. Wondering if I should try this out?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

Read the manual. If it is, not an OEM Merc manual. Good Luck.

 

[milehighboater]

Re: high idle/ normal in gear? What to do

You can disconnect the cable if you think it will help, if the cable is bound up then it might help. The only way to really fix the problem is the link and sync. if you remove the throttle cable then you are already on your way.