Johnson outboard question

[pikerliker]

I have a 1989 Johnson 70hs outboard that came with a boat that I just purchased. I can get it to start, but have to play with the choke to keep it running to warm it up. It will then run when I open it up to get to where I'm going but will kill like clockwork every time I slow to idle speed or just above. Does anybody have any advise for me to correct this problem?

Thanks ~piker

[Fisher Dave]

Sounds like time to clean the carb to me. Thats common when your idle/low speed jets start to get plugged on anything. Its not impossible that a needle valve is a bit plugged either. A can of carb spray and an hour at the work bench should take care of it.

Before doing anything .. put in a set of plugs and see if that takes care of your problem.

Another alternative .. the idle isnt set down too far is it? Some people are known to try to turn the idle down to acheive lower trolling speeds... only problem is these motors dont run at 300 rpm's for long.

[Phred52]

Sounds like Fisher Dave has a handle on it, plugs first carb cleaning/rebuild second. Been there, done that, gotta T-shirt, used it for rags. Good Luck!