How far should I be able to twist the throttle grip on a tiller?

[adt2]

Couple of months back, I bought a 1957 Johnson RDE-19 35hp for use on a 15' Westport Skiff I've been building. Launch day is finally here, and we're going to splash her Saturday morning. I should've posted this question a month ago, but it was one of those things that just slipped through the cracks.

The problem is this: I'm not sure I'm able to turn the throttle grip all the way from idle to WOT; I think the linkage might be binding or something. Here's a photo of the grip twisted all the way counterclockwise (as you look at the front of the motor):

Now here's a shot of the throttle twisted all the way clockwise:

It only twists from 12 o'clock to about 3 o'clock; is that correct? I've tank-tested the thing, and it seems to run well, but frankly I didn't want to juice it all the way. I have no idea why not, not that I think back on it.

The engine is totally covered in paint - I mean everything: wires, spark plugs, etc. There's even what looks like significant paint buildup on the gears at the tiller's elbow:

Could this be an issue? Also, here's the linkage where it connects to the motor:
Twist grip at 12 o-clock:

Twist grip at 3 o-clock:

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer. I really don't want to get out on the water Saturday morning and then not be able to get her up and running.

 

[F_R]

Re: How far should I be able to twist the throttle grip on a tiller?

Is the shifter in forward gear? In neutral, the twist grip range is somewhat near what you are showing. In reverse, it will go a bit more toward "fast" (counter-clockwise). In forward gear, is should be able to go to WOT (Wide Open Throttle). The whole range is only a half turn or thereabouts.

While on the subject, if the shifter is in fwd and the throttle is on "fast", you can't shift to neutral without slowing down on the throttle. Don't force it and jam it up. Also, don't try shifting into fwd or rev when it is not running or at least twirling the prop. The gears have to be moving to align the shifting parts.

 

[adt2]

Re: How far should I be able to twist the throttle grip on a tiller?

Okay, I'll check that out when I get home. Shifter is currently in neutral, but I'm pretty sure it was in forward when I tank tested the motor last month. I may do another tank test tonight or tomorrow and double-check the throttle action.

 

[nwcove]

Re: How far should I be able to twist the throttle grip on a tiller?

id have a look down the carb throat with the motor in fwd, and the twist grip to full, to see if the butterfly is horizontal. ( engine not running of course) if you already havent, give the tiller gears/assembly some grease, it looks dry.