I own a 1999 50 hp VRO equiped Johnson. The primer bulb never gets hard when starting. You need continual prime with key for 1-3 minutes, then engine catches and goes to 2500 to 3000 rpm and runs fine. The throttle is set at the out of gear advanced position. Bringing the throttle back to the idle position has no effect on the rpm - it stays at 2500 to 3000. You can goose the throttle out of gear to 5000 rpm and back to idle quickly and the rpm decreases until the engine quits. When engine is hot you can start in idle but it will quit unless you support with prime. The engine runs like a champ at 5000 rpm.
Carbs were cleaned and kits installed ( something odd- carbs are different makes ). I bought a new 6 gallon tank with new hose, bulb, connections and used fresh fuel but there was no difference, bulb still soft and same symptons. There are no fuel leaks in engine and filter is clean. Spark plugs are in good shape with proper gap. Lower unit is in good shape.
After reading similar complaints I plan to change all the engine fuel lines with new and use clamps to secure. I will check the fuel pump screen is clean and make sure the spark plugs are not connected backwards. Any other suggestions PLEASE!
Carbs were cleaned and kits installed ( something odd- carbs are different makes ). I bought a new 6 gallon tank with new hose, bulb, connections and used fresh fuel but there was no difference, bulb still soft and same symptons. There are no fuel leaks in engine and filter is clean. Spark plugs are in good shape with proper gap. Lower unit is in good shape.
After reading similar complaints I plan to change all the engine fuel lines with new and use clamps to secure. I will check the fuel pump screen is clean and make sure the spark plugs are not connected backwards. Any other suggestions PLEASE!