Control assembly.

[Justtrollin]

I was wondering before I tear anything apart. My shift/throttle control is really stiff and the handle is loose. Is there a fix for this? Do I need to replace the shift/control? The boat is a 1985 Four Winns. What information do I need to get the right one? Thanks for your replies.

[sslopok]

My shift/throttle controls are stiff too. You can try to inject wd40/other penetrant via syringe into the end of the cable and see if that works. If that doesn't work replacing them is the only other option I know of. I need to take care of mine this winter.

[jimcr]

Make sure the cable does not have any sharp bends or something pushing on it.

[Paulywood]

In order to get the oil up through the cable you need to use compressed air to push it up there. That being said, you are probably better off replacing it as it is more than likely starting to corrode. I'm pretty sure that the Mercruiser controls are mostly universal. On my old boat, a 1993 Regal, I had the controls replaced and they looked like the ones on a brand new boat. Might want to ask Frank, propnut on this site. He can tell you what you need and probably order the parts and ship them to you.