1977 Johnson - Idle hunts and dies in gear

[63Electra]

My motor was not used for 2 years. I'm having a problem with the idle going up and down in rpm's. When I shift into gear it stops and the bulb is squishy. Help?

 

[GA_Boater]

Does the bulb stay firm when priming before starting?

Maybe the fuel pump needs a new diaphragm?

 

[racerone]

model # is needed.

 

[PDean]

Start by replacing the fitting on your tank line that hooks to the motor. Squishy bulb is the clue. From there to your fuel pump.

 

[flyingscott]

Bulbs will go soft after the motor is running that is normal.

 

[63Electra]

Ok. It's a new tank, line and bulb. It will be rock hard. Then I'll start the motor. I put it in gear and it dies. Then wont restart untill I pump the bulb again

 

[racerone]

4 HP or a 200 HP motor ??

 

[63Electra]

I'm sorry, it's a 70 hp Model #70EL76D

 

[fireman57]

If it won't keep running without squeezing the fuel bulb it is most likely your fuel pump getting weak or it has a tear in the diaphram

 

[63Electra]

The motor will stay running in idle. But ramps up and down. It dies when shifting into gear.

 

[fireman57]

If you push the key in for just a sec when you take off in gear does it go?

 

[63Electra]

Ok well I feel dumb . After cleaning the carbs and still having the same problem I was about to pull my hair out. Then.....I found the loose screw on the fuel pump screen. So simple. Thanks guys for your advice. Motor is running great now

 

[fireman57]

That will do it. Glad you fixed it.