Throttle response, not so snappy... sort of

[DevonS]

I don't think it's really an engine specific question, so here goes...

I have a 1985 Baja 170 with a 1998 Johnson Faststrike 150. The throttle doesn't seem tight or damaged. Holeshot is very fast... no problems there. The problem is when I'm cruising, towing toys, etc and I want to slow down a bit. I pull back and nothing, pull a bit further, nothing. Then a bit further and then it's like I put it in neutral, so I have to scramble and jam it forward again to not drop my wakeboarder. I work around this by overcompensating the slowdown then give er more gas. For example say the throttle is at 10 o'clock. If I want to slow down to 11 o'clock, I'd have to pull it back to 12 or 1 o'clock and ease it back up to 11. It's sometimes the same going the other way too. I'll nudge and nudge and nudge more throttle and get nothing then suddenly it just takes off. Is a cable replacement in order? Some springs somewhere?


Thanks!
-D

 

[90stingray]

Re: Throttle response, not so snappy... sort of

Could be in your control box but most likely a corroded throttle cable. Disconnect it and try to move by hand. Or move the throttle with everything shut off and listen to the cable. They aren't usually too expensive.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Throttle response, not so snappy... sort of

Make sure the cable housing is secured at the motor.

 

[DevonS]

Re: Throttle response, not so snappy... sort of

Thanks guys. I'll inspect the cable, housing, and control box. If I do replace it, do I order cable length based on boat length (i.e. 17' cable for 17' boat) or remove the cable and measure it (probably about 12')?

 

[oops!]

Re: Throttle response, not so snappy... sort of

take the cowling off the motor.....

fire it up on the muffs....

look and see what is going on.....

then disconnect from the motor... and operate manually....

you will KNOW where the trouble is before you start buying new parts.