1980 Mercruiser/Commander side-mount panel control unit
 

Closest info I can find on one of these is a Commander 3000... not mine. Would like to know how to remove, inspect, repair etc. Have it on a 1980 Hammond Challenger V2150, Mercruiser 260, stock. Cannot find how to remove it. Seems other sidemounts require popping off the center, throttle only detent button in the middle. With such scarce information, I am a tad paranoid about breaking something I can no longer replace.

Issues concerning me are lots of free play once in throttle only mode, before actually engaging throttle cable. Also, seems to be almost a grinding or metal against metal noise when actuating/moving the throttle back and forth. Surely something needs lube or a new spacer or something. Maybe a way to take up some of the slack? Even under way, there is an uncomfortable amount of distance after engaging forward gear and finally hitting throttle control. Can't recall ever feeling anything like it on outboard controls or even the old morse controls. Any linksto a manual and/or instructions would be greatly appreciated... as would any posted instructions or advice.

Thanks for any help.

If its the way old school 2000, the handle bolts in through the back of the control unit itself. Have to pull the control box for any kind of service .the 3000 ,classic version ,has the round button ,that always breaks ,that is throttle only button at bottom of the shifter that has retaining bolt behind it. ,2 switches on the outer top of handle .those too , are getting hard to find parts for . May want to start shopping for a design 2 or 3 , or you can always just flip it over to dual levers ,i have even seen a few merc 260s using seperate foot throttles on sleekcrafts and carlsons . Those first 2 gens of side mount controls were a little flimsy

Thanks!
 

Thanks for your reply. Probably will look at replacing it altogether rather than put time and money into something as old, flimsy and hard to find parts for as it is. I appreciate your reply very much.