Engine Controls

[mikers]

I have a '73 Cal 29 with the MJB Morse twin lever engine control. Whenever I move the shift lever, the throttle lever comes along for the ride. This gets exciting when I shift into forward and the throttle yanks the engine up to 3000 RPM. Especially when docking.

I need to fix it or replace it for safety's sake. I haven't seen anyone posting with a similar problem, so I don't know what might be wrong with it.

Suggestions anyone?

[bogdog]

I am not familiar with your particular boat/controls but it sounds like a lubrication issue to me. Have you tried lubricating the moving parts?

[merc2dogs]

agree, most share a common pivot, one lever having a tube and the other a solid shaft, the shaft passing through the tube, the tube through a bushing into the seat/bulkhead.

Often you can just disconnect the cables then apply WD-40 to the pivots while working the levers in opposite directions which will clean out any crud or hardened lube inside, when you get them working smoothly, let the WD dry, then do the same thing with a light oil. WD is NOT really a good lube, but works great to break down oil and grease, so make sure you don't skip the oil.
On some controls that were peaned over so they can't be torn down, I've bored a small hole in the tube so I could force some chain lube in between. (great stuff, don't know why more people keep it around!) then clean it off and tape over the hole. Most can be dissassembled and lubed up easily.

Ken.

[mikers]

Thanks for the replies.

I've tried lubricating with some dry lube, but no joy. I'm rather afraid that my problem is that the throttle arm already moves TOO easily and something that separates the two arms may be missing or broken, but I'll try the WD40 and let you know.

[merc2dogs]

On my control, there is a tension adjuster on each lever, may be hidden and hard to see if it's there.

If a washer/bushing is gone, HDPE works well to make one up, It's slippery alone, and is resistant to most lubricants
milk jugs are a cheap source, gas tanks and fuel cans are made of it.

Ken.

[Pub911]

I have the SAME PROBLEM and have not been able to find a permanent fix. WD-40 works for a while. It may just be worn friction plates....hate to pay the price of a replacement if it's fixable.