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We were out and about yesterday and the alarm started beeping and the check engine light came on. Would not run above 2700 RPMs and had to limp back to the dock. Upon checking the manual, this looks to potentially be some sort of throttle sensor issue?????? I am somewhat handy and was thinking about ordering the new parts and replacing the throttle sensors (I think there are two) as well as the throttle linkage....

Does the above sound like the appropriate steps? Where would you order the parts? Any help w/ parts numbers and/or other ideas would be appreciated. Also, advice as to if this is a "do it yourself" type project would be appreciated.

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I believe that alarm and the slow-down are for insufficient oil. Check your oil tank under the cowling. It should be full. If it's not, there is probably an air leak somewhere.

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No, its not oil as the quad lighted alarm on dash flashes engine not oil. I have a 1999 Optimax 200HP in the shop for same thing. The diagnostic tool DDT is reading Throttle Position Indicator faults. I have same symptoms underway. Just took it into the shop. The 1998-1999 is notorious for bad TPI sensor. It's a $223 part for the dual sensor part no. on this earlier Optimax.

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So did the new sensor do the trick? What did your mechanic charge to install? I contacted Mercury and they told me that the 135 was not subject to a TPI problem and that it was probably a throttle cable adjustment of some sort. They even emailed me nice instructions. Took one look and decided to let the mechanic take a look rather than me mucking it up.... will know more next week I guess.

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I heard from the marina today and they stated that the flushing hose on the back of the motor had a split. This caused leaking into the inside of the cowling. The thought being that a fault was created by sea water pumping into the cowling. Looking forward to giving it a try again and hoping that I do not have to idle back in the last 4 miles.... that is a long ways when listening to the alarm going off...