Throttle not staying on

[Pigue1]

I just bought this 1980 Hunter 27 last weekend and the throttlealways goes back to idle when you take your hand off. I can hold the throttle open and it runs just fine; I just cannot let go of the throttle. Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting?Thanks!Tim from Texas

 

[Steve Dion]

Start with the throttle linkage.

Tim:If you have a wheel, there is usually a set screw on the throttle linkage that you can tighten down. I think you probably have an Edson unit, so I am not sure about your exact setup. On the Y/S Merriman it is just below the compass.There is also sometimes a cable clamp that allows you to put pressure on the cable housing to hold the throttle position. These devices are sometimes called cable crushers. If you have one of these you only want to apply enough pressure to cause enough friction (do not over-tighten).

 

[Benny]

Common Problem. Worn friction grooves.

We developed a fix for it about 5 years ago and it is still working. We wrapped a small piece of foam with blue masking tape and attached it to the steering pedestal with a piece of string and velcro. We move the throttle lever up and jam it with the taped foam so it will stay in place. At rest the piece is placed back at the pedestal and it regains its original shape ready to do it again. I keep waiting for the day when the string might break or the duct tape may become unravalled but it keeps on going. After a while its use becomes second nature so you don't even think about it.