18HP 1963 Johnson - Fast and High Speed Idle Knob

[cprince]

I have a 1963 Johnny 'Rude 18hp. Bought it for a song and happy to have it!

It works great and I am impressed with its performance. The only problem is the High Speed knob is loose like a Kardashian in February!

The knob flops around and spins like a propellor as I roll at wide open throttle. It is as if there should be something to tension it between the idle and high speed knobs that just isn't there. Maybe an o-ring on the needle itself?

I have gone through a bunch of service manuals and have yet to find a blown up view of the knob mechanism and all its components.

Can any one help? I have looked on Ebay and other sources but can find nothing to even replace it or any ideas to hillbilly rig something.

The picture is not my motor, but just to show what the knob looks like. I wish it was a higher resolution so I could zoom in to see what is in there!

 

[cprince]

Due to an overwhelming response to this thread, I thought I would try asking a more specific question;

If the needle is removed by unscrewing the high speed needle completely, should anything other than gas come out? Like a ring or packing or something?
Should there not be a rubber spacer or spring or something between the dial for the high and low adjuster knobs?

TIA!

 

[racerone]

There are packing washers in there and the brass part ( 7/16" hex )_ tightens it all up so the needle does not vibrate loose.

 

[Chinewalker]

Easiest thing to start with would be to tighten down the brass nut at the base of the high speed needle, and the nut at the base of the low speed needle (top of carb).

 

[cprince]

Thanks guys!

The nut in question:

High speed (bottom of carb) they seem to just call it a brass nut, but it is long and hollow to allow the needle to seat in and through it... right?

The low speed (Top of the carb) is called a "Gland Nut" in some parts break downs.

These are what you gents are talking about... right?

If I took apart the bottom/high speed one, the packing washers should either come out or be accessible... is that right?

Thank you!!

Craig

 

[Chinewalker]

Yes, those are the ones. Don't mess with the packing washers unless you're pulling the carb off and apart. If the motor is otherwise running well, just tighten them up for now. Snug, I should say. Just enough that you can still move the knobs if needed.