New to outboards with a question

[efahrens]

I just got a 1969 Johnson 55 hp 3 cylinder 2-stroke outboard. Is there some kind of an interlock, carburetion or ignition, that prevents it from revving when in neutral?

 

[Boobie]

No!! Just don't do it. Never rev an outboard over 2000 rpm in neutral when not under load.

 

[fdrgator]

The red lever in the remote control won't let you rev it in neutral because it has limited travel. However, you can put it in gear and rev it to wide open throttle and probably scatter engine parts all over the area if not in the water. Revving in neutral is extremely poor practice, and frankly shows lack of common sense.