Adjusting Throttle Control Friction on a Merc

[Lunker]

I've got a 2008 60HP Bigfoot Merc on an 08 Lowe. The control box is real clean looking - Chrome with just F, N, R and the Tilt switch.

Having issues since I bought the boat keep the throttle in place between about 3500 and 4500 RPM's if I don't keep my hand on it it will slip back. This is especially true at about 4500 RPM's if I take my hand off the throttle it sometimes moves back.

I have no issue at WOT or even at around 5000 RPMs +

It seems like the friction of the throttle needs to be adjusted. Cabela's where i bought the boat has been no help and they said it was a "safety function" which is bull $hit since it doesn't slip back at WOT. Merc wasn't much help either - the dumb tech just said there should be a screw inside the box but didn't have a firm answer.

Before I tear this thing apart does anyone know if there is a friction adjustment somewhere in this control box our outside?

All my other boats didn't have this problem and its interupting my adult beverage time while trying to cruise around 4000-4500 RPMS

I can take some pics this weekend and post it up if no one has some advice. I have been trying to find a pic but haven't been successful on the internet of what the control box looks like.

Thanks fellas

[PlaynDoc]

My throttle does that too.... It's amazing how you learn to hold throttle and steering wheel and fiddle with other crap at the same time.... Rumor says there might be a adjustment screw inside the housing.... But I've never taken it apart to find out.

[Bamby]

Your controls most assuredly have some means of adjusting the tension on the throttle control. Maybe someone can or could be more specific on how it's done if you could post the specific model number of the control in your rigging. Here's a link to a commander classic control and you can see the instructions on how it's adjusted by scrolling down to the bottom http://www.allafloat.co.uk/finestboatuk ... manual.pdf

[Lunker]

I think I am going to take a pic this weekend and post it up. I've searched google for a few hours trying to find answer but no luck.

[GregF]

There is just no making you guys happy.
Half of you think your throttle cable is too loose and the other half think they are too tight

[Lunker]

Just one more thing on my mind from last weekend

1. Got up to the lakehouse and the Toon battery was dead - my 2.5year old little boy must have flipped a light switch when I was putting on the cover. Had to borrow a big charger from a neighbor to get it up and going

2. My waverunner that I pulled out of the garage was DOA after putting a new battery in - need to drop that off at the Yamaha dealer this weekend.

3. My septic filled up on Sunday night with friends staying at the cabin and seeped out onto the lawn. Septic Company called me today and said there are tree roots clogging the Tank to the Dry Well line. Need to call a plumber

4. Biggest Problem! My F'n boat won't allow me to drive, steer and drink a cocktail at 4500 RPMs

LMAO life could be worse!

[bassn386]

Hey, Lunker! If it wasn't for BAD luck, you wouldn't have any at all!!
This crap (no pun intended) all seems to come in bunches. The old wives tale (don't know about old wives tail) is that bad stuff comes in three's, so maybe you're done for awhile.

[Lunker]

True Dat Bassn

[rbtnt]

If it has a control like this, remove the cover and there are two screws on the handle side of the control. One screw adjusts the throttle tension and the other adjusts the tension for F N R. I'm not sure which one does what, but it was pretty easy to figure out.

[Lunker]

Thanks, I'll take a look at it tomorrow. It looks similar to what you posted

[Lunker]

Took it apart this weekend and could only find 2 small holes. Is there a set screw or something inside of these holes? I didn't see anything obvious except these 2 holes circled in yellow.

Thanks in advance to advice in this matter.

[Lunker]

Just talked to Merc tech support. Lucked out and got a pretty decent guy on the phone. Sent him pics

Real helpful - the tech said it was either underneath the shifter in the console and there would be a screw there where the cables enter the control box or I have to pull the handle and there will be a friction adjustment there.

Anyway I'll check it next time Im up there

[walter]

Lunker if I could reach through this screen I might think about kissing you (well not really), anyway I've been asking this for some time but I've never had the chance (and forgot several times) of taking a picture. But that's the EXACT model shifter I have and mine does the same damn thing and has pissed me off for a few years now. Last weekend I damn near pulled the whole thing out looking for those screws but the cables prevented it from coming all the way out, so I sure as hell hope they're not at the bottom and only have to pull the handle off. Ok so now how do you pull the handle off? Is it just pressed on? Only other option I seen was on the opposite side of the handle there's a plastic cover with at least 2 screws and snapped on.....sure as hell hope they're not under that!

Anyway if you find them PLEASE let me know, otherwise I may have to come hunt you down (just kidding) I won't be able to get to mine for a couple weeks.

[jimbo753]

I have the same shifter and had the same problem. I looked it up on the web and found that there is an adjustment under the shift handle ( if I remember, its a 3/8 nut). Being it's a new boat I had the marina mechanic adjust it, but he made it a little to tight. I plan on adjusting it myself (hopefully this weekend), I'll let you know how I make out.

[Lunker]

If you guys want to PM me your email address I'll forward the tech bulletin the guy from Merc sent me on this.

The conclusion seems to be its behind the handle.

So remove the cap, then unscrew the handle and it should be behind there.

My boat is 3 hrs North and Im heading to Tokyo this weekend so not sure I'll get up there this week to work on it.