How to Adjust the Throttle & Shift Cables on a Boat

The throttle cable on a boat's outboard motor is responsible for decreasing or increasing engine speed. The shift cable runs the controls from the driver's station. Boats, unlike wheeled vehicles, do not have any braking system to speak of, so the throttle must be able to to rev up and power down. Throttle cables are sheathed in plastic and run from the throttle handle shackle to the carburetor. Shift cables run from the shifter to the shift plate. Both cables can be adjusted in 30 to 45 minutes. The adjustments are easier with the help of an assistant.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers
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Instructions

  1. Throttle cable

    • 1

      Inspect the cable connection at the throttle. Run your fingers along the length of the throttle cable and feel for looseness under the sheathing.

    • 2

      Loosen the screw holding the throttle cable in place on the throttle, using a screwdriver, and remount it if necessary with the screwdriver after pulling the wiring taut with pliers.

    • 3

      Unlatch and remove the engine cover, then set it aside.

    • 4

      Examine the throttle cable attached to the carburetor linkage. If if appears to be loose, use the pliers to remove the linkage from the small hole on the side of the carburetor. Pull the throttle cable taut on that end by pulling it outward with the pliers. Reattach the throttle linkage to the carburetor with the pliers and bend its wiring into place so that it holds.

    Shift cable

    • 5

      Remove the engine cover and find the shift plate, where the shift cables are attached.

    • 6

      Use the pliers to adjust the shift cable barrel, pulling it taut through the plastic shift cable. Slide it into the lowest notch in the lower section of the shift plate on the left side.

    • 7

      Turn the propeller by hand as an assistant moves the shifter from forward to neutral and then reverse until it stops at clutch engagement.

    • 8

      Replace the engine cover.