85 Johnson 115 v4 rough @ low rpm

grantritz

Recruit
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
2
My 115 runs rough from idle up to about 2000 rpm. Over 2000 rpm it runs fine. Has good starting power and does not normally die, sputter or stall from a start, but if I hit it real hard and fast I can force it to die. It always starts fine - cold or warm. I noticed today that it was backfiring/spitting slightly (about once on the down rev) when reving the engine to warm up - say up to 1500 rpm and back down - but otherwise doesn't exibit this behavior. Doesn't smoke any more than normal. I have only owned this motor for about one year so don't know the history. Does this sound like a timing problem or carburator problem (cleaning or adjustments).<br />Thanks!
 

walleyehed

Admiral
Joined
Jun 29, 2003
Messages
6,767
Re: 85 Johnson 115 v4 rough @ low rpm

I'm sorry. I missed the 85' part in your heading.<br /> This could be caused by many things, and yes idle pick-up timing could be one, but killing it sometimes when you drop the hammer could be a lean condition. I would pull spark plugs, and if they are this years plugs, I'd gap to .040 and try it. Next, I would look at timing pick-up on right side of engine and make sure when you advance the throttle lever that the timing arm moves slightly before making contact with throttle cam....Make sure both butterflies are in sync. and close COMPLETELY. when at neutral the timing roller should NOT touch the throttle cam. Good Luck! :D
 
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