90HP Johnson idles but will not run in gear

[travelinlight]

I have a 88' 90 HP Johnson the VRO has been disconnected. It will run while it is on the trailer. When I get it in the water and crank it I have to give it throttle for about 20 sec before it will idle, then it will idle fine but when I go to put it in gear it dies out. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 90HP Johnson idles but will not run in gear

Check for spark on all 4 plugwires when you go to put it in gear. Most engines will run fine on the trailer on 2 or 3 cyls. An inductive timing light will help you do this. Once you know the engine is running ok, you may find the idle is too low. Needs to be 650-750 rpm when idling in gear. Less than that and it will die when you put it in gear.