Re: Johnson 30
Howdy again,
Almost surely it's a gummed up slow idle circuit and a good carb cleaning should fix it. It doesn't sound electrical at all, now. One question, how does it idle once you get it going? If it runs half throttle and higher good, but doesn't idle, it's probably a dirty carb. It could be something else but not likely, especially with the 22 year thing on the carbs. That's actually incredibly good and it's obvious you took care of it since it has made it this long without a carb. cleaning. If you need some pointers just post your questions and I'll give it a shot or someone who's really good will fill in. I will say this, if it has the primer knob on it, be carefull you don't break off any nipples for the fuel lines which is incredibly easy to do. You'll need fuel lines, too, since they're most likely hardened by now. Myself, if I were you, I'd consider the following while you're at the carb:
1. new carb kit
2. new water pump impeller if you haven't changed it recently
3. new fuel lines and marine ties instead of hose clamps
4. empty/clean your fuel tank
5. new lower unit oil and o-rings for the oil drain/fill screws. they'll leak if they're not new.
Also, don't be afraid to do the carb. yourself. Outboard carbs. aren't hard at all unlike automobile carbs.
Just get all the little passages clear and blow them out with compressed air after you soak it in carb. cleaner. I've heard guitar string wire is good to get the little passages clean but have never actually tried it. Do it in a really clean place and don't lose anything.. Actually, most of the little parts (and they're very few) are contained in the carb. kit. And don't go crazy overtorquing the carb. mounting nuts on reinstallation.
BTW, you'll have to take the starter out to get to the carb mounting bolts.
P.S.--it could just be a clogged fuel filter, but I doubt it.
