Engine Issues?

Question

I have a 1986 or 85 Mercury 90. I was out on the lake fishing, and we were going to stop for a while, and just explore the lake. We were running out at 30-40 miles per hour. The engine wouldnt run right. It can start, turn off, but then when you put in gear, it just idles. I cleaned the gas tank, and checked the plugs. Transmission is good. What is wrong? I dont want to take it to the boat center, any advice.

Answer 1

caleb, you're not looking close enough.  you mean when you advance the throttle, the mechanism on the engine moves?  is there something loose or broken around the linkage on the engine?  they may be complex, but they're not magic.

Answer 2

did the throttle cable break?