Throttle lever moves whenever the transmission lever does.

[partingclouds]

Whenever the transmission lever is put into reverse the throttle lever moves with it, decreasing the rpms. I'd like to adjust the throttle lever so it is independent of transmission lever movement. Using both hands to control the levers is unnerving.

[chris95040]

How about some more details?

If you have separate throttle and shift levers, generally they are completely independent, two control cables, one going to the engine and one going to the tranny.

Certainly your rpms may dip when you load the engine by shifting into gear, although governors attempt to mitigate that.

Don't know what would cause what you are seeing, but I imagine folks who do might want to know what engine you've got.

[flyingfin]

Sounds like you may have a loose motor mount, so the engine is moving and pulling on the throttle cable. At the dock, have someone put the engine in forward then reverse while you observe the motor and transmission.

[Dsanduril]

Or do you just have a two-lever control with a coaxial arrangement like this?



We had one of these that produced exactly the same symptoms (also increased speed when shifting into forward). This particular one comes apart with the one bolt on the inside (after disconnecting the cables - forgetful mind, when you remove the bolt the throttle cable tongue comes off, so no need to disconnect, and the transmission cable stays in place), you can then pull the throttle lever out, clean and lube, and should be good to another several years. There is a plastic bushing between the two units, that can get damaged, especially if old, so some care is required. No idea if spares are available.

[partingclouds]

As said, When I move the tranny lever the throttle moves with it. Motor mounts are solid. There's an Allen screw at the bottom of the cylindrical housing...


Here's a photo:

[Dsanduril]

Yep, that's a different version of the same thing we had. Best guess is the throttle part needs to be pulled out, then clean both the throttle shaft and the 'bearing' inside the shift handle, then lube with something very lightweight (silicone grease/light oil). With time you get a little dirt in the annulus causing the shift lever and the throttle lever to move together.

I'd guess you'll have to get to the inside (where the throttle cable is attached) to do all that, frequently not the easiest job on the boat.

[stormalong]

Your cable may need more friction. The Morse cables can be so loose that the friction in that control is enough to move the throttle. Telex makes a clamp that partially crushes the cable to add friction to the system. You can do the same thing with an electrical wire clamp for a lot less money.

[01kiwijohn]

You sure that allen screw is not just for adjusting the throttle drag? so that it stays where you set it? I had one like this on an old Martin 29 and just pulled it apart, cleaned and lubed it and it was still working fine when I sold the boat.

[partingclouds]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will investigate that Allen screw further, 01kiwijohn. Maybe it's not the complex fix that I thought it to be.

[Djarraluda]

I had the same issue with my last boat. Pull the lever section apart, clean and lubricate.
Roger