76 70hp hesitates sometimes

[ebauman]

so I have a 1976 johnson 70hp, model# 70EL76.
It has a hesitation sometimes off idle when put in gear. If you choke it a bit it will throttle right up and run strong to WOT. I have had the carbs rebuilt twice, changed all fuel lines, have installed three new coils,plugs. My question is, could cold water in the water jackets from a stuck open or partially open thermostat cause this hesitation. It seems that if you let the engine warm up for a few minutes it doesn't hesitate as much. Eric

 

[ebauman]

Re: 76 70hp hesitates sometimes

let's try again Eric

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 76 70hp hesitates sometimes

How is it if you keep pumping the primer bulb ???

 

[ebauman]

Re: 76 70hp hesitates sometimes

makes no difference, the primer bulb stays hard.Engine runs great after you get past the hesitation. Eric

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 76 70hp hesitates sometimes

Who re-built the carb's ???

 

[mnevill]

Re: 76 70hp hesitates sometimes

I have a 84 johnson 75 horse that did the same thing and i did all that you have and did not help.FINALLY i had a mechanic re-jet my carbs and it ran great.I was told this had to do with the ethanol in the gas.Our older motors just wasn't meant for it.