On August 11. 2023 my 2001 Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine was set to almost full throttle. I advanced the throttle to full. The engine ran a few seconds then the engine speed dropped to idle. The engine had no power. We had to get home for one hour at idle speed.
It felt like a cable [in the engine remote shift and throttle control system] had snapped.
The engine can go into gear forward, neutral, and reverse.
I have not had a chance to open the engine cowl.
Give me advice on how to repair the engine.
2001 Mercury 90 Will Only Run at Idle Throttle
Re:2001 Mercury 90 Will Only Run at Idle Throttle
Start with the cables.
Pull the cover and inspect the end of the throttle cable. Then check the cable end at the remote throttle control.
Pull the cover and inspect the end of the throttle cable. Then check the cable end at the remote throttle control.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: 2001 Mercury 90 Will Only Run at Idle Throttle
I removed the engine cowling [on the 2001 Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine that would only run at idle speed], and I found the throttle remote control cable linkage [was no longer connected to the actual throttle lever on the engine]. Since the engine was due for routine service, I took the boat to a mechanic for the repair.
The mechanic found there was a loose bushing [or connection fitting]. The bushing was replaced and the throttle linkage was reconnected.
The part number of the bushing that was replaced is 23-932481; the mechanic charged $13.70 for the part.
The mechanic found there was a loose bushing [or connection fitting]. The bushing was replaced and the throttle linkage was reconnected.
The part number of the bushing that was replaced is 23-932481; the mechanic charged $13.70 for the part.
Last edited by GAwhale on Sat Aug 26, 2023 1:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 2001 Mercury 90 Will Only Run at Idle Throttle
I was curious about the nature of "the bushing" and searched on the part number. The search returned an enormous number of "hits" for this part. I suspect it might be something commonly replaced. You can see what the part looks like at this seller's website:
https://bayareapowersports.com/linkage- ... -23-932481
The bushing or connector looks like it is made of nylon or other plastic material, and makes a snap fit or a compression fit to whatever it mates with. Perhaps after 22-years the bushing lost its elasticity and could no longer retain the connection to the remote control cable.
https://bayareapowersports.com/linkage- ... -23-932481
The bushing or connector looks like it is made of nylon or other plastic material, and makes a snap fit or a compression fit to whatever it mates with. Perhaps after 22-years the bushing lost its elasticity and could no longer retain the connection to the remote control cable.
Re: 2001 Mercury 90 Will Only Run at Idle Throttle
Service life of 22-years is probably a good life for a plastic bushing. It is the first time the linkage ever disconnected since I bought the boat and engine new. Perhaps the very hot weather we get in the South was a factor.