Shifter/Idle problems for 50 hp Johnson

[dougstone1965]

Need help! When I start the motor it revs all the way up in neutral, and I have to throw it into drive to bring the revs down, then once it is in forward and I holeshot it, the throttle is very unresponsive, it can up to 2-3 minutes to bring it back down to minimum speed. Can anyone help? The motor is a 1987 Johnson 50 HP. I am new to boating and don't know alot about it, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

I'll bet the carbs are shot. Might also pull lower unit and inspect (has it been stored without lower gear oil?).

 

[dougstone1965]

Thanks, will try cleaning and rebuilding the carbs, gear oil is good.

 

[joereeves]

Back the throttle down to the idle position and make sure that the cam is not touching the throttle cam roller. Now, check the throttle linkage between the two carburetors to make sure that it is not out of adjustment..... both butterflys close and open at the same time. You do not want one butterfly closed at idle and the other butterfly cracked open somewhat.

 

[dougstone1965]

Thanks for the help, took the remote control apart and theshift lever lockout was broken, could this be causing the problem?

 

[joereeves]

It's a problem regardless. Fix that first.

 

[guido2]

Don't hurt that transmission.......wow! Be careful and only put it into gear at an idle.

 

[dougstone1965]

This site is great. Fixed the shift lever lockout and everything seems to be working as it should. Going to the lake this weekend, will check it out. The butterflies are in perfect synch. Thanks for the help, really appreciated.