strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

[KLKM]

I have a 1999 35 hp Johnson 2 stroke 3 cylinder outboard. I had some cold starting trouble so I had a 'tune up' done. that entailed "cleaning" the carbs, new plugs, and an impeller put in. I took it out after the tune up and the cold starting is no better, in fact it's worse. Now it is dying if I let it idle slowly and when I try to put it in gear. Now for the weird problem: I tried staring it exactly as the mechanic said: pump the ball, lift the idle lever all the way up, push the key in 2x and turn the key. I did that and it finally started, after much effort, and then TOOK OFF RACING UP THE RAMP like the trottle was engaged but it was NOT! I had to turn the key off to stop the boat. this was an extremely dangerous and scary experience. Any idea why this would happen and what I could do about it? the mechanic says nothing he did could have caused this. This has never happened before. <br />My other question is what might be the cause of my new problem of it dying at low idle and when I try to put it in gear? thank you!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

First, your starting procedure is OK up to the point of pushing the key in twice. There are two schools of thought on use of the primer system. One says, squeeze the bulb until firm, then turn the key to ON and HOLD the key in for an 8-count. Raise the fast idle lever and then turn the key to START. Lower the fast idle lever for a comfortable warm-up idle speed and push the key in momentarily if the engine begins to slow down like it wants to stall. The other school of throught is to squeeze the bulb until firm then push in and hold the key in the START position. As for the stalling at idle, I suspect the idle mixture and speed adjustments were not correctly performed. If I understand you correctly, the boat actually started when in gear??? If that happened, you have a control box problem as the engine should not start except in neutral.

 

[KLKM]

Re: strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

Thank you for your reply<br />The throttle was in the neutral position and the fast idle lever was fully upright and the boat drove forward as if in gear, or as if the fast ilde lever was the throttle. I had to shut it off with the key to stop the boat. I started it again (with starting trouble) after this and it did not happen again. <br />About the starting problem, once started, I can't lower the fast idle lever below 1/2 way or it immediately dies. If I try to lower the idle lever and put it in gear it either stalls immediately or has trouble like it is hesitating and then will start accelerating quickly and abruptly and then run fine as long as it is above 1/2 throttle or so. I have to put the idle lever down and quickly put in gear to stop it from stalling but it cannot slow ilde at all without dying.<br />Does that explain it better and if so does your suggestion change for the fix?

 

[KLKM]

Re: strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

Hi again<br />I forgot to include in my last reply that I am a new boat owner and know basically nothing about engine repair, but beleive me now I will to learn. What is the idle mixture and speed adjustments and were they likely involved in the 'tune up'I had done? I know that the idle/stalling problem is new. <br />Also can you recommend a good beginners book on outboard motor repair?<br />Thank so much

 

[KLKM]

Re: strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

Hi again<br />I forgot to include in my last reply that I am a new boat owner and know basically nothing about engine repair, but beleive me now I will to learn. What is the idle mixture and speed adjustments and were they likely involved in the 'tune up'I had done? I know that the idle/stalling problem is new. <br />Also can you recommend a good beginners book on outboard motor repair?<br />Thank so much

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: strange problem 35 hp 1999 Johnson

i think the mech needs to look at it again. could be idle adjustment, cable adjustment,