Mercury Outboard 2 Stroke 40hp

[SeagullRacer]

Hi guys, went to use my boat today which is regularly used once a week. Started the engine and idled off the beach, no problems. Went to increase throttle and it was harder than usual which was weird and put it back into neutral. Once in neutral engine started reving very high and the only way to stop it was turning it off. Where do I start to look? any suggestions are much appreciated. Im no boat mechanic so if its out of my depth i'll take it to the shop. Thanks

 

[Quicksilver]

Can you post the serial Nr. or year (if known), this could be a control box problem or a spark advance sticking but we have to know the year as there are different methods of advancing the spark.

 

[SeagullRacer]

Hi Quicksilver, the year manufactured is 2007 and serial number is 0N087822

 

[Quicksilver]

That serial Nr. is not found but is this your throttle arm?
Undo the throttle cable from its connection to the throttle inside the motor, see if the control handle moves easier; try moving the throttle arm inside the motor to see if its stiff or easy to move. The little tubes are Mercury's 2-4-C grease, maybe all you need is greasing.