Gear/Throttle problem: 1950 CL ~2003 with Mercruiser MCM 3.0L / 181 CID

[Core]

I used the search function already, but here goes.

I am helping a friend fix his Bayliner. I believe it must be around 2003, as I saw a sales video of a 2003 which looks exactly the same, and with the same gear/throttle shifter.

It became very stiff, almost impossible to shift. I took the handle apart and found the cable from the release switch has no movement when pulling it manually. It is possible to force the throttle into forward gear, but it isn't right. Obviously, the latch doesn't release.

I am trying to remove the entire unit from the side wall. There are 3 7/16" head bolts which I could remove, but the three 3/8" head bolts just keep rotating. I can stick a hand in behind the side wall and just touch one of them. I can feel the bolt, and the nut rotating.

I don't have a repair manual, is there a trick how to unlock it? The handle is partly loose, now that I got the 3 7/16" head bolts out. Does the handle have a hidden hex screw to make it come loose?

Also, most of the gauges do not work. In particular, the fuel gauge is not moving, is there a typical fault here or does the tank sensor needs changing?

The photo shows how far I managed to get. I need to get in to where the throttle lock is located.

Thank you for your help

Core

[Core]

I managed to get hold of a the # 26 Mercruiser Service manual (dated 1998). It shows a shifter-throttle called Quicksilver, which looks different to the one installed in this Bayliner.

Any idea what it is called, and if it has a separate service manual? See the picture in the original post.

[Core]

It seems from the Quicksilver throttle that I just need to flip the middle pushbutton for open idle off, then I should get access to a bolt in the center axis of the throttle.

Is that the same for this throttle brand (as in my picture)?

[builderdude]

Yes, another fastener is hiding behind the shift lockout button.

[Core]

Yes, another fastener is hiding behind the shift lockout button.

Thank you so much, builderdude, I will go and have a look at the boat again today.

[vr5200]

I think you press the button and advance the throttle some (I don't know where the sweet spot is) and the button can be removed.

If my description is wrong, hopefully someone else will correct me.

Meanwhile, I will try to do some research on it.

[vr5200]

I believe you have a 4000 series control.

Here are two pictures from the manual.

[vr5200]

Although this is an earlier version of the throttle control, I think the procedure is the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCQaVfjewdI

[Core]

I believe you have a 4000 series control.

Here are two pictures from the manual.

Exactly the one. And I found the manual online. But I was following the video of the Quicksilver 3000, just as also suggested above (I found that same video). This unfortunately resultet in the free throttle push button to break off. It also complicated the removal of the 17mm nut, so I had to make a special tool for that.

After having removed the locking mechanism entirely, the throttle STILL sticks quite a lot. I am not sure now if the cable needs oil or it is the shifting mechanism itself, on the engine, which is taking so much force to shift.

The boat was in for some maintenance recently, and now my friend cannot get a hold of that shipyard (it is a bit of a drive away but he will go there in person some day, and ask why they don't return his calls or messages)

[Core]

Although this is an earlier version of the throttle control, I think the procedure is the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCQaVfjewdI

THAT is also the video I found, and I followed it. This resulted in the button breaking off, so I wish I had waited a bit and found the proper instructions. As posted ALSO by you, this is called a MPC series 4000. I see no label or markings on the shifter, not even inside the cover. I only see now both posts are by you, haha! Thank you, I now know what it is called, and what I SHOULD have done.

Too late now but be aware, those two shifter-throttle remotes are NOT using the same methods.

[Metrodriver]

I have lubricated that cable (and all the others), I could not steer, not shift. Take clear vinyl hose, clamp it over the outer jacket, fill it with some lubricating oil, hook the other side up to an aircompressor at 40 psi. My boat now steers and shifts as advertised.

Your shifting issue might be in the cable going to the drive, did you disconnect the throttle cable at the carb and the shift cable at the shift linkage? Disconnect all of them, then go figure out what is binding.

[Bt Doctur]

Disconnect the cables at the engine FIRST
Failure to shift is usually the lower shift cable