1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

[03232001]

I fired up my outboard and it seems to be idling a bit high at 1200 rpm's. With the shifter in neutral the butterfly slides on the carbs. are seated shut and the linkage isn't touching the bushing that moves the throttle arm for the carbs. Could anyone tell me how to go about adjusting the idle or any other suggestions. Thanks

 

[boobie]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

Is your throttle cable adjusted correctly and did this happen all of a sudden ??

 

[03232001]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

I don't think its the cable. The shifting linkage when in neutral isn't even touching the throttle linkage and the carb butterfly's are completely closed. I don't think it just happened all of a sudden. I bought it that way knowing it needed new cables and just installed them today. I can double check cable adjustment but I think it would idle this way if I even removed the cables.

 

[03232001]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

WoW I just searched the forums to see how many carb idle posts I could find and I was shocked. Just about every one has either 0 replies, 1 reply, or less than 5. Now ask a question about ignition, power head issues, lower unit, or just about anything else and it seems there are plenty of replies. Is dealing with the carbs really that detailed. I have been rebuilding auto and motorcycle carbs since I was 10 and admit I have little experience with outboard carbs but they all work the same. I just want o know how to set the idle???

 

[daselbee]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

Idle is set by adjusting the timing. In gear, on the water, set idle at 750 or thereabouts.
As you have indicated, the butterflies must be absolutely closed.

Look just under the flywheel, on the stbd side for a cigar tube shaped part of the linkage. There is a screw sticking out the front of that mechanism. Loosen the set nut, turn screw IN to slow idle, turn OUT to speed up idle. Tighten set nut.

There could be other problems causing high idle than just adjustment, tho.

 

[03232001]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

So if proper idle is under-load in gear at about 750 could you ball park for me what you think that motor would idle at in neutral on muffs. I just wan tot get an idea cause I may not actually be as off as I thought. I definitely feel I'm getting a bigger cluck from engagement of the prop than in previous outboards and the higher idle is causing that. I just can't stand the clunk. The cigar shaped tube on the linkage does that move the linkage the way an idle screw would move the carb slide on a motorcycle just manually pushing against the throttle linkage?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

So if proper idle is under-load in gear at about 750 could you ball park for me what you think that motor would idle at in neutral on muffs.

About 1100 rpm......

 

[daselbee]

Re: 1999 Johnson 200 idle adjustment

No I cannot ballpark an idle speed as if it were on muffs in your driveway....
Fazt says 1100...that is about right...maybe....
I cannot ballpark it.

BUT......no the timing adjustment linkage is not like a cycle. This adjustment changes only the timing. It does not affect the position of the carb throttle plates (butterflies). Watch the linkage as you turn the screw. The only thing that will move is the timer base that is under the flywheel. It will rotate minutely as you turn the screw in either direction. IN will rotate the timer base clockwise, and OUT wil rotate the timer base counter-clockwise. This changes idle timing only.

You specifically asked how to change the idle speed....this is how.