1984 johnson 90 h.p. idle

[hutch6575]

Hello everyone,Thanks for all the help everyone has given me 60 h.p. johnson. The question i have is a buddy of mine has a 1984 johnson 90 h.p "j90mlcrd" that idles fine on the hose but when you put it in the water it stalls alot. It doesnt matter if it is warmed up or not. It runs fine w.o.t. just at idle and if you try and ride just clutched in gear. He was wondering if he can adjust the idle on the carb? The carbs were rebuilt recently by the guy he bought the boat from. Any info will be gratly appreciated. Also the vro system has been removed and the hose coming off the fuel pump runs up the side of the engine about 3/4 of the way then 180's back down to go into the fitting that splits off to the carbs. Sorry for the long post.

[walleyehed]

Advance the idle timing a little......Should be a screw on the right side facing aft. With throttle open, watch the lever as someone pulls it into neutral, and you will see the screw contact the stop just before it goes into neutral...that's the idle timing screw...turn it clockwise untill idle is around 750-800rpm in gear, boat in motion. Don't try to set it out of the water, It's got to be done on the lake....

[Solittle]

Do you know if the previous owner pulled the thermostats? Those motors do not idle well unless they get to operating temp.

[hutch6575]

Thanks for the info i will let him know. Are the thermostats located behind the housing at the aft rear of the engine where the 2 hoses connect?

[walleyehed]

...Correct!!!.....