2003 Johnson 150 throttle

[solitude]

I'm having an issue with a stiff throttle lever/cable/linkage or something. But when I took it for its service I mentioned I probably need new cables and to quote me up. Was told that everything was checked and no issues. But when I use it there is.

So when I use this boat there are a lot of occasions where I need to travel at low speeds. But I'm finding that throttle response and control is not very smooth and a lot of times can go from idle to launch instead of idle to slow trolling or whatever but at a steady progressive rate. The lever seems stiff but movable, and sometimes jerky - not ideal when you go from nothing to launch and stuff goes flying around the boat.

Just looking for options for things to look at to see if I can make this thing a bit more controllable and have a smooth operating controller

 

[Crosbyman]

is this a new "Spring start up" problem ??? or a new to you boat ???

disconnect the cables at the engine are they stiff on their on or only when attached to the engine ? . cable slop can be cause by extra "loops"

 

[solitude]

In Australia we don't really have a spring start up thing like in the regions with snow.

That said this has been an issue of mine since I've had the boat (about 2 years now) but the outboard mechanic said the cables are working perfectly fine and he couldn't find any reason to replace them - I mean he could have made some extra money by just doing it so I have no reason not to believe his diagnosis, but if there were adjustments I could make I'd be keen to hear them. I always thought I needed new cables as it's - to me in my opinion - been like the cables are binding then releasing. The control lever feels a bit stiff to me

I did read once that these Johnson's can be a bit 'snappy' but I'd really like if I could get it to be a smooth transition from idle to full throttle.

 

[Scott Danforth]

maybe find a different mechanic or turn your own wrenches. Cables last about 20 years

disconnect the cables from both ends. you should be able to slide the inner wire with your thumb and fore-finger.

 

[racerone]

Salt water operation ?