Yamaha 704 Binnacle Mount Throttle Arm Upgrade - Fix sticking/sticky throttle control

This video walks through:
- Partial disassembly of the 704 controller
- Potential cause for sticking throttle control (I confirmed my throttle cables were not the issue, but had originally thought that was the problem)
- Replacement of the internal throttle arm to a newly designed/superseded part number
Yamaha throttle arm assembly part number: 704-48261-00-00
Note: I did use the term “throttle arm” interchangeably to describe both the handle used to control the throttle and the part number posted above. My apologies for an confusion.
Update 8/2/2023: Jeff Pettey mentioned in the comments not to lube the main bushing on the throttle arm. The friction of the nylon bushing against the metal tensioning band is light enough to allow you to actuate the throttle and provides enough friction to keep the throttle in place. I did some research on a couple forums and found yamaha techs validating this, so thank you Jeff for pointing that out. Sharing this update so others are aware.
Safety note: Since this video is related to the throttle assembly of your boat, please remember to wear your kill switch at all times when operating your vessel. This fix may help smooth out your throttle or keep the throttle in a certain position and therefore a cut off switch is the only thing to stop your boat if you are ejected. Cut off switches saves lives and it is federal law (as of 2021).

[@miky207]

Thanks !!! My 704 is also very stiff and clunky. Now I know I can disasemble and clean and lubricate thanks to you!

[@onetime7539]

Thank you

[@guyanesegamer1693]

My throttle is loose and it won’t throw cable to idle

[@jeffpettey9115]

The throttle friction band is not suppose to be lubricated. You can remove the lubricant with solvent, however only allow solvent to contact nylon parts momentarily or it can cause them to expand slightly and not fit properly.

[@IIcrackerII]

Good to know. There was clear evidence of old white lithium grease in there that looked factory.

[@barronc]

Great video. Can you explain how you ruled out the throttle cable? Mine is very sticky in and out of gear, once you get in gear it isn’t too bad.

[@IIcrackerII]

I pulled the controller and disconnected the throttle cables and was able to easily move them by hand. When I first started to fix this issue, I was convinced the throttle cables were the problem (20+ years old), so I bought a cable lubing device (search 'cable luber' on amazon) and was planning to lube the cables. Once I removed the controller and played around with the cables, I realized they were not the issue since they moved freely with little effort. This lead me to digging into the controller and playing with all the mechanical pieces of the assembly.

[@jw228w]

just found your video on the 704. I have a 10 year old Yamaha control that is also hard to shift,sems like throttle is ok. was wondering before I attack this how hard it is to release the cables at outboard motor end to see how well they slide. thanks John

[@dougplommer9961]

very easy

[@davecindw]

You need to replace the throttle cable

[@IIcrackerII]

I had initially suspected the throttle cable, but it is not the issue here. I tested the cable by isolating it and ensuring it was not hanging up.

[@user-ez8oq5wt3o]

Hi...?