1982? 50hp Johnson will not throttle up

[catmotorhead]

Ran great all afternoon then we slowed down to troll. The engine died but started back up but would not accelerate. I checked the plugs they burn bright blue spark. I changed fuel tanks and fuel. The filter is clean and gas is getting in the carbs. It starts as soon as you hit the key but only idle speed.

 

[fireman57]

Are you sure yoru throttle cable isn't broken? Have you removed the cover to make sure all the parts that are supposed to move do so?

 

[catmotorhead]

Yes, I pulled the cover off and the throttle is opening and closing, I checked compression it's about 115 psi. But I'm finding really brittle wire, the insulation is crumbling so I have a new harness on the way

 

[fireman57]

put it in a barrel of water and start it. Move the throttle manually and see what is going on. The linkage to the carbs my have come off or you might see what it really going on. Do not rev it very high in neutral though or it could blow.