1985 Osprey 170 - Throttle Replacement

[Copcheck71]

Hello everyone, this is my first post.

At 52 years old, I'm a first time boat owner and purchased a 1985 Osprey 170 with a Mercury 115.

I took the boat out earlier this week and it's a lot of fun, but I noticed something I want to fix or resolve and after a search here, I'm not finding what I need right away.

The throttle was re-splined, and I'm having a heck of a time getting the lever popped out to the side to get in neutral and start the engine.  I've to really push it to the right after locating what I think is neutrol.  I would really like to replace the entire throttle controller if it's possible, but I'm not sure what to do or where to start.

Also, the engine was rebuilt and it runs great, but I cannot find a serial number on it to find out the age.

I'm pretty handy with wrenching on cars, and willing to give this a shot if it's not too involved.

Any advice for where to start or what this controller model is called?

Thank you,

Jon

[dbiscayne]

Somebody can probably identify the year of engine based on a picture alone but your pic isn't coming up on my computer?
Once you get that figured out you'll be able to get the right replacement shifter and I'd recommend finding a schematic before diving in. Not too complicated to replace but there are a few critical steps you don't want to screw up. For instance does it push or pull the cable to give throttle? Some of the generic shifters can be switched to do either.

[dbiscayne]

maybe you can get into the shifter without disconnecting the cables and grease it up. PB Blaster is a great first step then follow up with some marine grease.

[Copcheck71]

Good news, the previous owner got back to me about the engine, It's a 1988 Mercury 115.

Hopefully the pictures show up in this reply now.

Thank you again,

Jon

[dbiscayne]

this site has the schematic images, but they don't narrow it down by year only by model. Should be able to find something close maybe you can figure out what part is binding and grease it up.

https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury/rigging-parts-accessories/remote-controls-and-components/console-mount-control-box

[dbiscayne]

theres more...
https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury/rigging-parts-accessories/remote-controls-and-components

[Copcheck71]

theres more...
https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury/rigging-parts-accessories/remote-controls-and-components

Thank you again!

Jon

[DanB]

I believe they would call them Mercury 115 tower of power If you are just searching for general information on google or youtube, in the future you could try that as a search criteria as well.

[Copcheck71]

I believe they would call them Mercury 115 tower of power If you are just searching for general information on google or youtube, in the future you could try that as a search criteria as well.

Thanks for the reply.  I knew it was a Mercury 115 "Tower of Power" I wasn't sure about the year though.  The guy I bought it from replied to my text later that day with the year of the engine.

Believe me, I've Googled just about everything I can about the engine.

Thanks again,

Jon