Throttle question...

[Fat Tony]

On my 97 Sportster when operating the throttle the starboard throttle will drop to idle position instantly while the port throttle lever will maintain. The port cable is new, not sure if this has something to do with it. I have hold the throttle lever all the time for the starboard or the minute I let go the boat will turn due to the throttle returning to idle.

My question is
A) Which one of the throttles is the problem, the port or the starboard? Is it supposed to instantly drop to idle when you release it?
B) Any ideas on how to correct the issue, whatever it may be?

 

[racerxxx]

The throttle should stay when you leave go. So the one that drops is the one that is having the problem. If you remove the control handle, there is an adjuster to adjust the friction to hold it in place. There is a procedure in the service manual you can google for one or become a premium member and download the manual.

But....If I remember correctly. Once the control handle is remove look at the side and you will see a screw in the center, that is the tension screw. Or you could possibly have 3 Phillips head screws that you use for the tension on the earlier boats. The one time I did it I just used the manual.

 

[Fat Tony]

Thanks... I do not have a service manual for my speedster, but have been working off of a sportster manual that has been ok for most things. I found the tensioning set screw on the side of the throttle and tightened it about a turn which seems to have corrected the issue.