idle problems

[encore]

hello to everyone---new to the forum and my question was probbably already asked but here goes---i've got a 1989 johnson 40hp on a tracker 17 ft. deep v.and i'm having trouble at idle.wants to quit running esspecially when trying to get it on the trailer.this is going to sound pretty bad and shame on me but i've never did any thing but change plugs on it.it really only got used a half dozen times a year.retired now and plan on using it alot,kinda still looks brand new. so if someone out there has a lot of time i'd appreciate it if you can get me going on some ideas where to start. other than idle it runs great.----thanks encore

 

[HighTrim]

Re: idle problems

Welcome to iboats.

Well shame on you indeed

What is your idle set at? It should be 650 to 750 RPM under load and in gear.

Short of that, Im sure you are over due for a carb bath and rebuild. Not real difficult at all, especially with a factory OEM service manual.

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/TMDsVideoChronicle2.wmv

I would also drop the lower unit and change the water pump/impeller. This is a critical component of the cooling system, and when it fails it is catastrophic.

http://www.meegsonline.com/tmd/waterpump.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/videos/removecase.wmv

www.themarinedoctor.com/waterpump.wmv

The gear oil should be changed every fall along with new gaskets on the drain and vent screws. Inspect for water while doing this, it will make the oil look milky white.

http://www.tohatsu.co.jp/en/boat/sales/sbs.html

 

[travz500]

Re: idle problems

is the gas old and are the plugs fouled

 

[encore]

Re: idle problems

lower units in good working order i do change the oil, never checked the pump impeller though,boats always been kept in the garage.forgot to mention--it's a tiller so i have no gauges. encore

 

[HighTrim]

Re: idle problems

Well then I bath and rebuild the carb.

And do not forget the impeller, or you will have much worse problems than a poor idle. Im not sure what you meant by it being kept in a garage.

 

[encore]

Re: idle problems

new gas new plugs. boat just never really got used alot thru the years,always winterized it.just sat around alot.think i should start with the carbs first ?

 

[encore]

Re: idle problems

just that it never sat out in the winter under a tarp--- heated garage.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: idle problems

I will bet that will help your with your idle problem. When the motor sits, especially without a fuel stabilizer, the gas varnishes up in the carbs, gumming up the jets, causing some of the problems you described. Be sure to get your low speed jet squeaky clean. Dunk it in a bath, then blow it out thoroughally with compressed air, getting into all orifices and jets.

 

[encore]

Re: idle problems

just one more question for now-never worked on an outboard carb is it similar to snow blowers and lawn mowers or more complicated?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: idle problems

It will be a bit more complicated than a snow blower, but with this forum, and a service manual you will be ok. Just take your time the first time. Watching the video I linked will give you a visual of what to look for.

Let us know how you do.

 

[encore]

Re: idle problems

ok thanks for the info i'll get started in the morn. encore