Really easy question

[Fughetta-boat-it]

Hi all, 1st post, 2nd boat, 1st outboard, and I have what is probably a stupid but easy to answer question.

On my boat there's a control box for the throttle. Center is neutral, and of course forward and reverse. There's also a second, smaller lever... I know that is common to outboards, but I have no idea what that 2nd lever is for. Can someone let me know?

A 2nd easy question...
There's two cables going between the control box and the outboard. I assume one cable is for the throttle... what's the 2nd cable? Shifter? How do they work in unison?

I've spent a while searching for answers to these questions, which is how I found this forum. But I think these questions are probably equivalent to 'what direction do the bullets go' on a gun forum, and I haven't been able to find the answers.

Lastly - my boat's a 75 Harris Flotebote, and I just got (almost) done rigging a 93 Merc 9.9 EL. All the electric, fuel, and steering are done. Starts up no problem. The only thing left to do is figure out these two cables. Unfortunately I don't have a manual yet (I'll be getting one), but considering I've got everything done to this point I'm pretty happy. Is there a good online source for explaining adjusting these two upper and lower cables? This last bit of direction should get me on the water. Much appreciated, gentlemen.

 

[Barramundi NQ]

Hello fug.
The other lever is a throttle. Lift it whilst the engine is running and the rpm will increase. Similar to a hand throttle on a tractor. Don't engage forward or reverse with the throttle up.
Second cable is your gear selector cable. These are push an pull cables. If you lift the cowl off the engine you'll see all these cables, throttle gears etc working with the engine running at home. If this is your first boat, never ever run the engine without water running thru it. You wil destroy the water pump impeller in around a minute or even less without the water in it.

Welcome to iboats

 

[Fughetta-boat-it]

Hello fug.
The other lever is a throttle. Lift it whilst the engine is running and the rpm will increase. Similar to a hand throttle on a tractor. Don't engage forward or reverse with the throttle up.
Second cable is your gear selector cable. These are push an pull cables. If you lift the cowl off the engine you'll see all these cables, throttle gears etc working with the engine running at home. If this is your first boat, never ever run the engine without water running thru it. You wil destroy the water pump impeller in around a minute or even less without the water in it.

Welcome to iboats

Thank you, that's what I needed to know about that 2nd lever.

This is my 2nd boat, but my first was a new I/O that I learned how to operate, but I didn't get involved beyond that. This is my 2nd boat, and I've raided my boys toy tubs which are now prop buckets. (Big plastic tubs, kind of like the large tote-storage bins.) Motor runs good and gives a steady discharge of water out of the powerhead, so I think I'm good on the impeller situation.

I derigged and installed the new outboard myself. I've worked on motorcycles, lawn/garden equip, and cars before but this is my first outboard. Just need to figure out the proper adjustments of these two cables and what exactly they each do. There's an upper and a lower cable. I labeled them before I disconnected the old Chrysler outboard that was on there. The new cables do 'connect' (whew) but they're obviously way out of adjustment.

With the motor running in a bucket I was able to operate the motor by hand using the linkages, but after I secured them to the powerhead, reverse would seem to work but it wouldn't seem to engage forward. It's pouring rain today, so I'm trying to research them before trying to adjust them.

 

[Fughetta-boat-it]

delete - double post

 

[Barramundi NQ]

Awesome fug, not trying to tell you how to suck eggs about the water....just covering it in case you have never had any experience with boat motors.
So with the engine not running you can check the correct range of movement for the throttle and the gear lever. Dont get the cables confused. There's usually a threaded adjustable linkage for both cables. There is also some control boxes that may have an adjustment in them. Start with the motor end first. With a helper move the gear lever forward like you are going to drive forward and go to full throttle at the control box. Watch the cables move to see which is which. The gear cable has the first movement that engages forward. Then the throttle cable takes over . It's supposed to go to WOT. Adjust the cables so they all work together. Same with reverse. This time the gear cable goes in the opposite direction from the forward position but the throttle goes in the same way as the forward movement. ?.......hope I make sense?

 

[Fughetta-boat-it]

Awesome fug, not trying to tell you how to suck eggs about the water....just covering it in case you have never had any experience with boat motors.
So with the engine not running you can check the correct range of movement for the throttle and the gear lever. Dont get the cables confused. There's usually a threaded adjustable linkage for both cables. There is also some control boxes that may have an adjustment in them. Start with the motor end first. With a helper move the gear lever forward like you are going to drive forward and go to full throttle at the control box. Watch the cables move to see which is which. The gear cable has the first movement that engages forward. Then the throttle cable takes over . It's supposed to go to WOT. Adjust the cables so they all work together. Same with reverse. This time the gear cable goes in the opposite direction from the forward position but the throttle goes in the same way as the forward movement. ?.......hope I make sense?

Perfect. THAT is what I needed to know. Now all's I need is some sunshine and for my wife to get home to help on the gear lever.

Thank you.
FBI

 

[Barramundi NQ]

You're welcome, gidday from OZ

 

[Fughetta-boat-it]

You're welcome, gidday from OZ

I don't know what it is about OZ, but your country seems to have the nicest and most helpful people, both online and the few I've met in person. Thanks again.

 

[redneck joe]

so did you ever get the answer to which way bullets go?



sorry couldn't help myself that was funny.



I'm met a few of my oz forum friends and would agree with you,

 

[Fughetta-boat-it]

so did you ever get the answer to which way bullets go?



sorry couldn't help myself that was funny.



I'm met a few of my oz forum friends and would agree with you,

If I'm ever questioning myself, I just use this visual from HK.