Marine propulsion device with mechanical linkage for throttle and shift

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising an engine with a throttle operable to control fuel flow to the engine, a lower unit with a rotatably mounted propeller, a transmission for connecting the engine into driving engagement with the propeller, a throttle control lever connected to the engine throttle and adapted for operator movement of the throttle control lever between a minimum throttle position and a full open throttle position, a stop connected to the throttle control lever, a gear shift lever connected to the transmission and adapted for operator movement about a pivot axis between an engaged position and a neutral position, and including a first projection, a throttle blocking lever including first and second arms which rotate about the gear shift lever pivot axis, the first arm having an end positioned adjacent the throttle control lever stop, the second arm normally extending generally parallel to the gear shift lever, and including a second projection adjacent the first projection, and a spring for connecting the throttle blocking lever to the gear shift lever so that the end of the first arm of the throttle blocking lever bears against the throttle lever stop to prevent movement of the throttle control lever from the minimum throttle position to the full open throttle position when the gear shift lever is located in the neutral position. Movement of the throttle control lever from the minimum throttle position to the full open throttle position is allowed when the gear shift lever is not located in the neutral position.