Johnson 70 hp shifting problem

[snospdr]

"I have a 70 h.p. 1979 Johnson

"I have a 70 h.p. 1979 Johnson outboard that doesn't run smoothly when I shift into forward gear. Unless I shift hard and with significant throttle, it seems to thump as if it's going in and out of gear. Once given moderate throttle, it runs fine and there is no problem shifting into reverse gear. I know it has to be shifted quickly, but this is a significant change in the way it used to run. Can someone tell me what's going on and what I need to do to fix it.
Thanks!"

 

[cehmass]

"that is not a shifting prob/s

"that is not a shifting prob/should thump not click in gear,one quick motion in out/
idle sounds low try some seafoam (de carbon solution)that may improve things,also check spark
clean carbs"

 

[outboard_doctor]

Paul sounds like the idle is a

Paul sounds like the idle is a little low due to????....so check the compression and spark if all ok it could be a partial blockage on the idle curcuit in one carby

 

[snospdr]

"Thanks for the response. If

"Thanks for the response. If it was the idle, wouldn't it happen in reverse gear also?"