Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Mallard1100 on 03/26/17 - 5:46 AM

Hey guys, I could use some help on this. Took my Whaler out for an early striper trip on Saturday and I'm having some motor issues. I have a 2003 Merc 90hp 4 stroke carb model not efi. Started at the dock fine. In and out of reverse. Ran about 2 miles out and the engine had trouble throttling down. The remote shifter at the console had to be forced into neutral as if it was bound up. When In neutral it was reving at very high RPMs. Like 3k. Had to slam it into gear to get back to the dock. I always run a good fuel treatment along with Yamaha ring free every fill up. Never had any starting issues so I don't think it's a fuel issue. I have an ultra flex control. By pulling the remote handle out for starting to increase RPMs in neutral, it works to increase RPMs even more ,but I can not lower the RPMs. As I move it down the engine is not responding. Engine starts fine but it's instantly at very high rpm in neutral so instantly have to shut it down. Cables and remote control were just replaced in 2014. I don't see any binding in the cables as far as I can see. Boat ran fine last year. I am going to disconnect the cables and double check the carb linkage and get to the throttle plates to make sure they are closing.

Any other ideas. Only thing I did this year was spring prep on the motor new fuel, filters, new thermostat, new fuel line from a new tank to fuel/water filter etc. First run of the season and I'm already down. Bummed out. Thanks guys.

Posted by gchuba on 03/26/17 - 6:54 AM

I would start by checking the linkage from the throttle control to the motor (including the throttle/shifter control). No reason you should slam the remote shifter. Take off the cowling and watch the movement as you work the throttle/shifter. Helps to have a second person. Work along the entire cable. I have sprayed linkage cables with TriFlow with teflon with good results. Could be a loosened linkage screw (there is a solid spot under the cowling that the cables attach to, if that is loose the shifting gets distorted), kinked wire, bend a hair too tight, etc... If inside the motor, others more qualified to suggest. Good luck.

Edited by gchuba on 03/26/17 - 6:57 AM

Posted by Phil T on 03/27/17 - 5:20 AM

Did you drain the carbs last fall? Lubricate the linkage in the motor as well?

Describe in detail your steps for winter storage and spring maintenance.

Posted by Mallard1100 on 03/29/17 - 4:23 PM

Update... all good guys. Thanks for the help. I'm embarrassed to even say what all happened but it was what I suspected. Something stuck holding the throttle plate open in the #2 carb.

Posted by tedious on 03/30/17 - 6:18 AM

Mallard1100 wrote:
Update... all good guys. Thanks for the help. I'm embarrassed to even say what all happened but it was what I suspected. Something stuck holding the throttle plate open in the #2 carb.

OK, you need to 'fess up - what was it?