Throttle control....

[Wine Down]

I have a 215 DC, 1999 with a 200 HP Mercury. I live in Tucson Arizona, the boat is in Kino Bay Mexico. Here is my issue....the throttle is difficult to move. It is usable but it should move more freely. My questions are: do I replace the throttle control ( with trim controls )and cables entirely and if so can anyone recommend a side control to me or is there maintenance that I can perform that will solve this issue. Your assistance is appreciated.

Wine Down....in Mexico  :study:

[Georgie]

Wine,

I know the girl's in Mexico, but it's hard to advise you what to do if you haven't isolated the problem yet, and it would definitely help with specifics if we knew what controls you had.  In theory, it could be an engine issue, a cabling issue, or a control issue (engine issue being the least likely, and cables being the most likely).  Start by disconnecting your throttle cable where it attaches to the engine (If that doesn't allow the throttle to move freely, then it's not an engine issue), then see if you can figure out how to get inside your controls and detach the throttle cable from the controls (probably just a C-clip holding the terminal end of the cable onto a mounting pin?).  If THAT doesn't change anything, then you know it's your control.  I know the yamaha 704 and older OMC binnacles are very simple and serviceable, but I don't know what you have on your 215.  There are usually some adjustments that can be made and certainly some lubrication that can be added.  10:1 it's your cable though.  Do you have any more info you can provide?

[seabob4]

Ryan, a '99 Merc motor will most likely have a Commander Classic side mount, could be the "new and improved" Commander 3000, but I doubt it.  My bet is with the cableing also.  14 year old cables, I would be replacing both shift and throttle.

Wine, it's easiest to access the binnacle (shift/throttle control) by removing the helm on a 215 DC.  There are a series of screws all around the perimeter of the helm module.  Remove these and you can swing the console out of the way a bit, which will give you a little bit better access to the binnacle's backside.  You're going to need to do this regardless of the root cause of the problem.  Trust me, I used to wire the helms of 215s.  Know them like the back of my hand...

[Wine Down]

I am thinking it is a cable issue. If it is the cable would it not be advisable to change out the throttle control and cable at the same time? If I were to change out the cable only can you tell me the type of cable and length? Having the boat in Mexico makes it a bit difficult, I tend to want to over maintain....or replace to be on the safe side.

Wine Down.....

[seabob4]

Based on the success of the Commander Classic binnacle (same guts as a top mount Quicksilver), I'd say the binnacle is fine, you just need new cables.  I'm betting 17 footers, and here's the type and where to get them...http://www.boatersland.com/teleflex-ccx179.html

Type 179 Merc cables.  Get the XTremes, just a few $ more but worth it...

[Wine Down]

OK I tried to attach a picture that shows the control......and a nice Yellow Tail as well!

[seabob4]

Commander Classic...

[Georgie]

SB-Thanks for the info.  I really need to just commit to memory the generation of boats you rigged and abstain from commenting on those at all.  

WD - As Bob said, not likely to be the binnacle and MUCH more likely to be the cable.  Keep us posted and good luck!  

[seabob4]

Ryan, you're just as familiar with boats and rigging as I am.  Don't sell yourself short.  Sometimes things that are entirely evident go right over my head, then when I come back later and read, I have to do the old...

Keep up the good work!