Number Part
Throttle
cable
Notes
Connects to the carburetor linkage to pull open
the carburetor and control the speed of the
motor.
Consult the section for your motor type for
details about how to connect this cable to the
carburetor linkage.
REACTOR™ 40 KICKER
THROTTLE ACTUATOR
INSTALLATION
RPM cable Connects to the spark plug to measure the
page 5).
INSTRUCTIONS
ECU cable Connects the throttle actuator to the ECU of the
autopilot system (Connecting the Throttle
Important Safety Information
WARNING
Parts Bags
See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the
product box for product warnings and other important
information.
You should refer to this table to determine which parts apply to
your motor type.
Common parts. These parts are used when installing the actuator
on all motor types.
You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your
vessel. The autopilot is a tool that enhances your capability to
operate your boat. It does not relieve you of the responsibility of
safely operating your boat. Avoid navigational hazards and
never leave the helm unattended.
Parts for 8 through 9.9 horsepower Yamaha® motors.
Parts for 15 through 20 horsepower Yamaha motors.
Parts for 8 through 9.9 horsepower Mercury® motors.
Parts for 15 through 20 horsepower Mercury EFI motors.
Parts for 8 through 20 horsepower Honda motors.
Always be prepared to promptly regain manual control of your
boat.
If your motor features a kill switch, you should know how to
operate it in case of an emergency. If your motor does not
feature a kill switch, you should install one before installing the
autopilot system.
Installation Preparation
Learn to operate the autopilot on calm and hazard-free open
water.
Mounting and Connection Considerations
When preparing to install the throttle actuator, observe the
following considerations:
Use caution when operating the autopilot near hazards in the
water, such as docks, pilings, and other boats.
•
You must install the throttle actuator inside the motor
housing.
CAUTION
•
Most motors use a throttle linkage to control the carburetor
throttle lever. You should replace the factory-installed throttle
linkage with the provided throttle linkage to prevent the
throttle actuator from back-driving the throttle on the tiller
When in use, beware of hot surfaces on the heat-sink, motor,
and solenoid components.
When in use, beware the risk of entrapment or pinching from
moving parts.
Failure to install and maintain this equipment in accordance with
these instructions could result in damage or injury.
•
•
You must secure the throttle cable to the motor manifold and
connect it to the carburetor throttle lever on the motor using
the included bracket and linkage specific to your motor type.
Tools Needed
You can place the throttle actuator box in any available space
inside the motor housing after you secure the throttle cable to
the manifold and route the other cables. You can use the
included large zip ties to secure the throttle actuator box
inside the motor housing to keep it from moving during use.
•
•
•
•
Wrenches
Phillips screwdriver
Marine sealant
Loctite® thread lock (for Honda® motor installs)
•
•
You must secure the RPM cable to the outside of a spark
Parts Identification
The throttle actuator is the component of the Reactor 40 Kicker
autopilot system that controls the speed of the motor.
You must connect the throttle actuator to the ECU of the
autopilot system using the provided cable run from inside the
page 5).
You must install the throttle actuator inside the motor housing
and connect it to the carburetor throttle lever using the linkage
parts supplied in this package. Different motor types require
different linkage parts, and the parts are separated into separate
bags. These instructions refer to the labels on the bags when
discussing the parts needed for different motor types.
Tiller Back Drive Considerations
Most motors use a throttle linkage to control the carburetor
throttle lever. This linkage opens and closes the carburetor
when you adjust the throttle on the tiller arm. Because the
autopilot throttle actuator controls the speed of the motor from
inside the motor housing, you should replace the factory-
installed throttle linkage with the provided throttle linkage. This
prevents the throttle actuator from back-driving the throttle on
the tiller arm, but still allows you to use the throttle on the tiller
arm when you are not using the autopilot system to control the
motor.
Throttle Actuator
See the connections diagram for your motor type to locate the
existing throttle linkage and replace it with the included linkage.
NOTE: Because of the motor design, you cannot replace the
throttle linkage on Honda motors. Under typical operation, the
February 2019
190-02451-94_0A
Setting the Linkage Components for Proper Idle
After you install the throttle actuator components on the motor,
you must adjust them so the motor idles correctly.
Yamaha 15 through 20 Horsepower
Connections
Loosen the throttle actuator bracket on the engine manifold
until the throttle actuator does not pull open the carburetor
throttle lever.
1
There should be obvious slack in the throttle actuator cable.
Loosen the set screw on the carburetor throttle lever, and
slide the rod into the barrel slider until it stops.
2
Tighten the set screw.
3
4
Adjust the tiller throttle to idle, start the motor, and complete
an action:
•
If the motor is not idling correctly, loosen the set screw on
the carburetor throttle lever, adjust the tiller throttle linkage
rod in the barrel slider until the motor idles correctly, and
tighten the set screw.
Number Part
Notes
Throttle actuator You should connect the throttle actuator
cable (from the
cable to the carburetor linkage
before
throttle actuator
box)
•
If the motor idles correctly, proceed to the next step.
securing it to the throttle cable bracket
Using the tiller throttle, increase the speed of the motor, and
complete an action:
5
Throttle cable
bracket
You must secure the throttle actuator cable
•
If the motor does not increase its speed and return to idle
correctly, repeat the previous step to adjust the tiller
throttle linkage rod in the barrel slider.
to the throttle cable bracket using the
included zip ties (Securing the Throttle
•
If the motor increases its speed and returns to idle
correctly, proceed to the next step.
Manifold
mounting
location
You must remove the existing bolt on the
manifold and use it to secure the throttle
cable bracket.
Adjust the position of the throttle actuator bracket until no
slack remains in the throttle actuator cable and the motor
idles correctly.
6
Carburetor
linkage
You must assemble the carburetor linkage
before installing it (Assembling the
Tighten the throttle actuator bracket on the engine manifold
to set the cable tension.
7
8
Motor
carburetor
throttle lever
You must remove the set screw on the
throttle lever to disconnect the tiller throttle
If necessary, turn off the motor.
linkage rod
linkage
You must replace the existing tiller throttle
and install the carburetor
Mercury 8 through 9.9 Horsepower
Connections
.
Tiller throttle
linkage barrel- linkage rod with the barrel-slider
slider
mechanism
mechanism provided in the parts bag
existing tiller throttle linkage rod in case you
need to restore the motor to its factory
configuration in the future.
Assembling the Barrel Slider Throttle Linkage
For some motors, you must replace the existing throttle linkage
with a barrel-slider mechanism to prevent back-driving the tiller
throttle.
Number Part
Throttle
Notes
You should connect the throttle actuator
actuator cable
(from the
throttle actuator
box)
cable to the carburetor linkage
before
securing it to the throttle cable bracket
If necessary, open the parts bag for your motor model, and
remove the barrel-slider mechanism parts.
1
Insert the small bent rod
into the short end of the barrel
.
2
Throttle cable You must secure the throttle actuator cable
bracket
to the throttle cable bracket using the
included zip ties (Securing the Throttle
Manifold
mounting
location
You must remove the existing bolt on the
manifold and use it to secure the throttle
cable bracket
.
Carburetor
linkage
You must assemble the carburetor linkage
before installing it (Assembling the
The flat portion of the small rod fits into the barrel one way
only.
Secure the small rod using the set screw
.
3
4
Insert the round end of the long rod
the barrel.
into the other side of
3
Number Part
Notes
Number Part
Carburetor
Notes
Motor
You must remove the set screw on the
You must assemble the carburetor linkage
before installing it (Assembling the
carburetor
throttle lever
throttle lever to disconnect the tiller throttle
linkage
linkage rod
and install the carburetor
and plastic washers.
Motor
carburetor
throttle lever
You must disconnect the tiller throttle
linkage
linkage
from the throttle lever to install
Tiller throttle
linkage rod
You must replace the existing tiller throttle
linkage rod with the new rod provided in the
parts bag. You should save the existing tiller
throttle linkage rod in case you need to
restore the motor to its factory configuration
in the future.
the carburetor linkage
.
Tiller throttle
linkage
You must modify the factory tiller throttle
linkage using the new part provided in the
parts bag (Modifying the Tiller Throttle
Setting the Linkage Components for Proper Idle
After you install the throttle actuator components on the motor,
you must adjust them so the motor idles correctly.
Securing the Throttle Actuator Cable to the Bracket
for Mercury 15 through 20 Horsepower Motors
Before securing the cable to the bracket, you should connect the
end of the throttle actuator cable to the carburetor linkage
Loosen the throttle actuator bracket on the engine manifold
until the throttle actuator does not pull open the carburetor
throttle lever.
1
There should be obvious slack in the throttle actuator cable.
NOTE: This type of bracket is used to secure the throttle
actuator cable for the Mercury 15 through 20 horsepower motor
only. If you are installing the throttle actuator on all other motor
types, you must follow the instructions for that bracket instead
Adjust the tiller throttle to idle, start the motor, and complete
an action:
2
•
If the motor is not idling correctly, loosen the set screw on
the carburetor throttle lever, adjust the tiller throttle linkage
rod until the motor idles correctly, and tighten the set
screw.
Place the top of the bracket
over the raised portion of the
1
throttle actuator cable
.
•
If the motor idles correctly, proceed to the next step.
Using the tiller throttle, increase the speed of the motor, and
complete an action:
3
4
•
If the motor does not increase its speed and return to idle
correctly, repeat the previous step to adjust the tiller
throttle linkage rod.
•
If the motor increases its speed and returns to idle
correctly, proceed to the next step.
Adjust the position of the throttle actuator bracket until no
slack remains in the throttle actuator cable and the motor
idles correctly.
Tighten the throttle actuator bracket on the engine manifold
to set the cable tension.
5
6
Secure the cable to the bracket using the included screws
.
2
Modifying the Tiller Throttle Linkage
If necessary, turn off the motor.
On Mercury 15 through 20 horsepower motors, you must modify
the tiller throttle linkage to prevent the throttle actuator from
back-driving the tiller throttle.
Mercury 15 through 20 Horsepower
Connections
Disconnect the existing tiller throttle linkage from the motor.
1
2
Remove one end of the linkage
unscrewing the rod
and the nut
by
.
Number Part
Throttle
Notes
You should connect the throttle actuator
actuator cable
(from the
throttle actuator
box)
cable to the carburetor linkage
before
securing it to the throttle cable bracket
Store the rod and other end of the linkage in case you need
to restore the motor to factory condition in the future.
3
4
5
Throttle cable
bracket
You must secure the throttle actuator cable
Screw the existing nut onto the replacement rod
parts bag.
from the
to the throttle cable bracket using the
screws on the bracket (Securing the Throttle
page 4).
Screw the existing end of the linkage onto the replacement
rod.
Setting the Linkage Components for Proper Idle
Manifold
mounting
location
You must remove the existing bolt on the
manifold and use it to secure the throttle
Loosen the two screws that hold the throttle actuator cable to
the bracket until the throttle actuator does not pull open the
carburetor throttle lever.
1
cable bracket
.
There should be obvious slack in the throttle actuator cable.
4
Adjust the tiller throttle to idle, start the motor, and complete
an action:
The friction collar adjusts the tension on the tiller throttle, and
when fully tightened, keeps the throttle at a set position.
2
3
•
If the motor is not idling correctly, remove the tiller throttle
linkage and adjust the length of the rod until the motor
idles correctly.
Adjust the friction collar so that it is fully loosened.
2
The throttle actuator is able to control the speed of the motor
only when the friction collar is fully loosened.
•
If the motor idles correctly, proceed to the next step.
Common Installation Procedures
These procedures are the same for all motor models.
Using the tiller throttle, increase the speed of the motor, and
complete an action:
•
If the motor does not increase its speed and return to idle
correctly, repeat the previous step to adjust the tiller
throttle linkage.
Securing the Throttle Actuator Cable to the Bracket
for Most Motor Types
Before you secure the cable to the bracket, you should connect
the end of the throttle actuator cable to the carburetor linkage
•
If the motor increases its speed and returns to idle
correctly, proceed to the next step.
Adjust the position of the throttle actuator cable in the bracket
until no slack remains in the cable and the motor idles
correctly.
4
NOTE: This type of bracket is used to secure the throttle
actuator cable for most motor types. If you are installing the
throttle actuator on a Mercury 15 through 20 horsepower motor,
you must follow the instructions for that bracket instead
Tighten the two screws to secure the throttle actuator cable
to the bracket and set the cable tension.
5
6
If necessary, turn off the motor.
Place the raised portion of the throttle actuator cable
into
1
Honda 8 through 20 Horsepower
Connections
the bracket between the raised tabs
.
Number Part
Throttle
Notes
You should connect the throttle actuator cable
actuator cable
(from the
throttle
Secure the cable to the bracket using the included zip ties
.
2
to the carburetor linkage
before securing it
to the throttle cable bracket
Connecting the RPM Cable
actuator box)
NOTICE
Throttle cable You must secure the throttle actuator cable to
bracket
You must not cut or strip the RPM cable or the spark plug cable.
Cutting or stripping either cable will result in damage to the
throttle actuator, the motor, or both.
the throttle cable bracket using the included
zip ties (Securing the Throttle Actuator Cable
page 5).
The RPM cable monitors engine RPM, and is needed for proper
autopilot operation.
Manifold
mounting
location
You must loosen the existing bolt on the
manifold and slide the throttle cable bracket
Route the RPM cable from the throttle actuator box to a spark
plug cable on the motor.
1
into place
.
You should not remove the bolt from the
manifold, because it is difficult to put the bolt
back in place after it has been removed.
Secure the RPM cable to the outside of the spark plug cable
using the included zip ties.
2
Carburetor
linkage
You must assemble the carburetor linkage
before installing it (Assembling the Carburetor
The carburetor linkage arm is keyed to fit one
way on the carburetor only.
You must remove the existing lock washer to
install the carburetor linkage bracket, and you
should apply Loctite thread lock to the bolt
when securing the bracket.
Connecting the Throttle Actuator to the ECU
After you connect the throttle actuator and linkages inside the
motor, you must connect the throttle actuator to the autopilot
ECU.
Locate the cable pass-through location on the motor.
1
Adjusting the Throttle Friction
This area is where the motor cables are routed from the
inside of the motor to the outside of the motor, and is usually
near the tiller arm.
Because the throttle actuator back-drives the tiller throttle on
Honda motors, you must adjust the throttle friction on the tiller
arm for the actuator to work properly.
If necessary, create a cable pass-through opening in the
motor housing for the ECU cable.
2
Locate the friction collar on the tiller arm.
1
5
Route the ECU cable on the throttle actuator from the inside
of the motor to the outside of the motor.
3
4
5
Route the ECU cable to the location where you installed the
autopilot ECU, and connect it to the THROTTLE port.
If necessary, apply marine sealant to the cable pass-through
opening to protect the inside of the motor from water ingress.
Testing the Throttle Actuator Installation
Before you can test the installation, you must install all of the
autopilot components and all of the throttle actuator linkage
components, and connect the throttle actuator to the ECU.
Turn on the motor.
1
2
3
4
Turn on the autopilot system.
Engage the autopilot.
On the remote control, press to increase the throttle using
the throttle actuator.
The throttle actuator should move the throttle to full speed.
On the remote control, press to decrease the throttle using
the throttle actuator.
5
6
The throttle actuator should return the motor to idle.
Complete an action:
•
If the throttle actuator does not move the throttle from full
speed to idle, adjust the throttle cable bracket and repeat
this test.
•
If the throttle actuator controls the throttle correctly, turn
off the motor and the autopilot system.
Specifications
Dimensions (L × W × H) 151 × 60 × 23 mm (6 × 2.35 × 0.9 in.)
Weight
181 g (6.4 oz.)
Temperature range
Material
From 0° to 70°C (from 32° to 158°F)
Glass-reinforced nylon and aluminum
Throttle actuator housing: IEC 60529 IPX7*
3 m (9 ft.)
Water rating*
ECU cable length
Input voltage
From 12 to 24 Vdc
*The device withstands incidental exposure to water of up to 1 m
for up to 30 min. For more information, go to www.garmin.com
© 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin® and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries,
registered in the USA and other countries. Reactor™ is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its
subsidiaries. This trademark may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.
Honda® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries and
affiliates. Loctite® is a trademark of Henkel Corporation in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Mercury® is a trademark of Brunswick Corporation. NMEA®, NMEA 2000®, and the NMEA
2000 logo are trademarks of the National Marine Electronics Association. Yamaha® is a
trademark of the Yamaha Motor Corporation.
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