70's? Sea Horse 9.5

[solomon]

I've got a Johnson Sea Horse 9.5. I think it's an early 70's model. It says 50th Anniversary Edition on it. It will crank and run, but I put it on a light pond boat and it wouldn't plane out. Sorta felt like I wasn't getting all the throttle. The thing will only run if it's choked, and always dies immediately at idle. I have to throttle it up a little and crank it and it will stay running as long as you don't throttle back to idle. Where should I start with it?

 

[F_R]

Re: 70's? Sea Horse 9.5

Sounds like a dirty carburetor. But don't ignore the ignition either..it could be running on just one cylinder. Should be able to throw a 1/4" spark on both plug wires with ease. And of course, it could have a bad spark plug. Always check the easy stuff first.