150 etec only idles

[champ]

The boat started right up and got it ready for launch. Once I launched, I put it in gear to go and nothing. It only idled. It kicked into gear but the rpm's would not go past idle. Almost like the computer or something was stopping it. Managed to idle to my slip but could not back it in, had to manhandle it in.

Ran fine when I pulled it out.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Gerry Zagorski]

Are there any alarms sounding? If so that is a sure sign the computer is not allowing the boat to go over a certain. RPM... Otherwise hesitating or choking when you go to give the boat some rpms is usually a fuel starvation issue.

First thing I would do is check your fuel filters. If they are ok I would try to run the boat off of a portable tank. If it runs fine off the tank the you must have an issue further back in the fuel system. Collapsed line, clogged anti siphon valve etc.

If it runs the same on the portable tank then I would take it to a dealer who has the engine diagnostic computer to see if you are getting any codes that would help you trouble shoot further.

[champ]

Thanks. No hesitation or rough choke. It actuals runs fine, just not past idle RPM. I changed the fuel/water and gas filters.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Hard to say what exactly it could be but I would bet something in your throttle control system or the ECM in the engine that is keeping it in safe mode.

I would take it to someone who has the software and equipment to see what is causing it to be in safe mode.

[dfish28]

Is it cable or fly by wire- I would remove the cowling to see if the linkage is moving first off. If it is moving I would follow Gerry's advice and get it hooked up to a computer, just eliminate the obvious things first.

[Capt. Debbie]

I had that happen on an ETEC 200hp. Take cover off binacle. They advance throttle. In my instance the cable had slipped off the mechanism and was not pushing control cable forward.

Sounds likely a cable end is popped free. A very slight chance thatcable would break given the lack of strain.

So uncover binacle see if cable is being pushed. Take cowl off O/B and have someone move the throttles up and back. See if the throttle is moving a lever at the O/B end.

[jimmythegreek]

yup check for a cable moving, the Etecs are also capable of digital throttle like the mercs, if your boat is a year or 2 old it may have that option, then it would be a scan deal w a evinrude scanner to see teh problem. If it runs great it sounds like its the throttle, otherwise in limp mode you would have an alarm or beeping sounds

[champ]

The cables and other possible mechanical parts were OK. It's at the dealer now...

[champ]

Throttle position sensor went bad

[Gerry Zagorski]

Well that's good I guess.

These new electronic controlled engines are a doubled edge sword... Nice when they work but hard for us shade tree mechanics to trouble shoot and work on.
Also hard to do Mc Iver stuff to by pass stuff in an emergency to get you back in.

Now a days I open the engine hatch, shake my head and pick up the phone and grasp my wallet

Gone are the days where all you needed was a good set of ratchets, a dwell meter, timing light and a set of feeler guages.

Ahh the gold old days when men were men and sheep were scared.