Stiff throttle

[Iankristy]

So new rib purchased. 5.8 north craft 2001 very carefully looked after by previous owner. 90hp 4stroke outboard. Used twice in last 18 month. Tried it briefly in water tank seemed to work fine. Engaging gear and pushing throttle very stiff with outboard off. Tensioner loosened. Is it possible it's because engine is off? I.e. Should I take out before trying to loosen off/ lubricate/ replace? Don't want to be out with unresponsive throttle if possible.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Iankristy

So new rib purchased. 5.8 north craft 2001 very carefully looked after by previous owner. 90hp 4stroke outboard. Used twice in last 18 month. Tried it briefly in water tank seemed to work fine. Engaging gear and pushing throttle very stiff with outboard off. Tensioner loosened. Is it possible it's because engine is off? I.e. Should I take out before trying to loosen off/ lubricate/ replace? Don't want to be out with unresponsive throttle if possible.

You shouldn't try & engage gear without the engine running, try it in a tank or on muffs with the engine running. Make sure the prop is clear of obstructions/dogs/kids/gnomes etc.

[Nos4r2]

Yep, you can damage the gearbox and strain the shift cable if the engine is not running and you try and engage the gears.

[Iankristy]

Thanks, sounds like plan 'A' 😬

[Iankristy]

Thanks. I'm hopefully leaping to conclusions then. Just didn't want to do first launch with stiff throttle. Makes me nervous 😬

[Phil M]

My merc manual says you can put into forward without the engine running but if you put it in reverse, have somebody slowly turn the prop.

To identify what is stiff, disconnect the cables from the engine end and try to shift again. If it's still stiff, it is the cables or throttle unit. Disconnect the cable at the throttle and try again to narrow down the problem. My guess is stiff cables. Are there any tight bends in the cable route that would increase friction?

Phil M

[scubaqua]

On many throlles there is a small bold under the hendle where you can adjust the "resistance".....Don't know to say in English very well, but if you find the bold and try it, you know what I mean..

[Iankristy]

Thanks folks had very quick go with muffles on and seemed better as suggested. Gonna suck it up and have a little inland loch session to get my head round everything. If it still feels too stiff will revert to removing cables to isolate stiffness. This is the new lady..

[bmb779]

Looks lovely,what Loch are going to run it in?

[bmb779]

How does the throttle feel on the warm up lever?

[Iankristy]

Loch Tay today. What a stunner. Throttle better than expected. I think it's probably more likely to be gear cable. Old fella who ran boating facilities had a wee go and concurred so going to get cables replaced. Cracking boat though. I will now expect all my days out to be so nice though!

[bmb779]

Where do you launch on Loch Tay?

[Iankristy]

Kenmore. Almost 15mile run up to Killin so nearly 30 mile notched up. Believe you can go up river at killin to loch Tay highland lodges they have moorings there. I got distracted by a call of nature and did my first 'beaching'
£20 to launch/recover in kenmore. Very friendly and helpful.