MerControl loose

[Mezadami]

Hey Gang,
I have a '78 Merc 850 with a MerControl and when I'm full out on the water, I need to keep my hand on the control. If I remove my hand, the control comes up, slowing down the boat. Is there any way of tighten this so that I don't have to keep my hand pushing down on the control? I've tighten all that I can on in the control box so I'm assuming it's something to do with the O/B?!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Laddies]

Re: MerControl loose

No the factory had no detent on the older controls, if the cable is bent slightly it will help in some cases, don't kink it.

 

[Mezadami]

Re: MerControl loose

Would changing the control make a difference?

 

[chicknwing]

Re: MerControl loose

You could upgrade the controls. That would certainly eliminate the issue you are having. New controls can be kind of pricey though.

TC

 

[Mezadami]

Re: MerControl loose

Would any MercControls be compatible with a '78 Merc 850? What should I be looking for when upgrading the controls?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: MerControl loose

Zatech, That only happens when the cables are new and move easily. In a year or so, they will get dirty and/or corroded and they won't do it.

 

[Mezadami]

Re: MerControl loose

I've had this boat since the summer of 2006 and it's been doing this since I had the motor running properly.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: MerControl loose

Maybe at the engine you could rig a spring somewhere to help hold the throttle open?

Not too strong of course...

Chuck

 

[achris]

Re: MerControl loose

The amount of travel on Merc's controls has not been changes. The very latest do have a different anchor system at the box end, so you would need new cables..... Other than that new controls will do the job...

I would recommend against any form of spring system... Have an accident and your insurer will run away very quickly, regardless of what happened.

Chris.............

 

[Mezadami]

Re: MerControl loose

Thanks everyone for the responses!!

Cheers and happy boating...

Mike