I have just aquired a 70's - 80's Johnson 9.9. I just want ot be sure it is in good working order. I mounted it on the boat, put some muffs on it and it started right up on the third pull. What I did was pump the bulp, choke it, turn the mixture almost to full rich. Just as soon as It started it I pushed the choke in and gradually turned the mixture knob to nearly full lean in about 3 mins. I am not sure if this is right but I can not rev the engine over an idle unsless it is in gear. I know there is something in the linkage that stops you from reving the neutral, but I would think you sould be able to get a few extra rev's when starting cold. It may not be an issue though because it was around 40 deg last night when I started it and it did not stall and warmed up well. This model has an idle speed twist knob on the side that doesn't seem to anything. As far as water pump, with the muffs on it shoots an "0k" steam out of the hole in the back and shoots a better stronger stream out a hole on the left side of the foot. I sure its suppose to do that.LOL. I am going to install a new impeller before I use the motor. I have put and impeller on a 125 merc that was no problem. Is there anything tricky or that I need to watch for on this one? Also if someone could tell me what year model this motor is it may be helpful down the line. The model # is unreadable but the serial # is E5597573. Thanks, Chris