Stiff throttle/control for 73 Merc 850

[Jumper]

The throttle control on my Merc seems to be real stiff or in need of adjustment. The motor doesn't really seem to respond till I get to at least half way with the throttle and even then, to get the RPM's up more and get the boat on plane, I have to really push down on the throttle. Almost to the point I feel I could break the throttle off. Is there a cable adjustment that needs to/can be done or should I just lube the throttle linkage good and go with it? I feel there's still some RPM's in it just waiting to get out, but my Tach isn't working so I'm not sure how high the engine is winding up or how fast I'm going since my speedo isn't working either (gotta replace all the gauges actually)

 

[Spidybot]

Re: Stiff throttle/control for 73 Merc 850

Before you break off anything, do a systematic search for the fault:<br /><br />Disconnect the cable at the motor. Then check the motors linkage for free and smoothe movement. Check if the linkage allows the throttle to open completely when it reaches the stop point.<br /><br />Next (still with disconnected cables) check the remote same way. Check for free play on the lever before the cables start to move. There may be an adjustable friction screw on the remote to prevent the throttle from going back to idle while running (on a well working remote the spring on the motor end actually can pull the cable & lever back). Check for such friction adjustment.<br /><br />If it still works hard, take the remote apart and test the cables and the remote itself, by hand.<br /><br />You'll now know which parts are causing the trouble and which parts to fix/renew.<br /><br />No matter your tacho is working, these checks should be carried out to ensure all is OK. If something prevents your motor from WOT you certainly cannot expect the motor to perform. If it does WOT and you still think something is wrong, you're having an error that the tacho will be of good assistance in finding.