I have a 1973 Johnson 50 HP outboard (Model J50TELCTA). I have owned it for about 7 years and have always had trouble shifting from neutral to forward or reverse without the engine wanting to quit. To keep the engine from dying I have to hit the primer button a couple of times to keep the engine from bogging down. Recently it has been worse so I attempted to change and check some items to see if it would help, but to no avail. Below are things I have changed or checked.
Additionally, with the engine out of the water and the muffs on, everything works as it should. Shifts from gear to gear without wanting to die. Once I put it in the water, the issue returns.
Any expertise thoughts would be much appreciated.
- Fuel tank and primer ball, all good and ball primes up and stays hard
- Replaced fuel pump
- Replaced most fuel lines on the engine
- Replaced spark plugs
Additionally, with the engine out of the water and the muffs on, everything works as it should. Shifts from gear to gear without wanting to die. Once I put it in the water, the issue returns.
Any expertise thoughts would be much appreciated.
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