78 Johnson 115hp Crossflow Stalls When Put into Gear!?!

[phx5kegsman]

Hello. Can anyone tell me how to properly adjust the remote control cables where they connect to the motor. I think that my motor is stalling because they are not adjusted correctly. I recently rebuilt my carbs and replaced fuel pump. When I put the carbs back on I followed the factory service manual step-by-step to set the throttle linkage, choke, and Link & Synch. I am confident that I did them correctly. But I have turned the trunnion wheels on the remote cables both, without really knowing what I was doing. Any help would be great.
Thanks!

 

[racerone]

How did the motor run for you last season ?----Post the results of a compression test.----The actual numbers.

 

[phx5kegsman]

Compression #'s are 105/103/105/104 on the old starter. I haven't run one with the new starter, yet. I have had this motor for a few years now and had it running very well. I have worked through several issues with the help of this group. Last year I made a costly mistake and hit the terminal block with a screwdriver, causing sparks and smoke ( I thought the BAT switch was off). I replaced ALL the ignition and charging components. Most of the parts I used were OEM. A few were made by CDI Electronics. I followed the factory Service Manual to the letter. The motor ran good the next couple of times I had it in the water, but it was not as fast or reliable as it was before.

 

[jimmbo]

Regarding the Throttle Cable. Adjust it so it puts a bit of Load on the linkage to hold it against the Idle Stop as it sits in Neutral. Too much Preload will make shifting in and out of gear a pain. Then verify that the Throttle Plates are opening fully. However since you were mucking with the Linkages in regard to the Spark-Carb Sync, that too should be checked. Many a motor has been detuned by improper linkage meddling.
For the Shift linkage, unhook the connector, place both the Control and Linkage on the engine in Neutral, then adjust the Trunion for proper fit

 

[phx5kegsman]

I think you are right! I will run through it all again. Thanks!

 

[jimmbo]

I think you are right! I will run through it all again. Thanks!

One thing to keep in mind, the Carbs are supposed to be fully closed at Idle, they are not adjusted for idle speed. Idle Speed is set entirely by Spark Timing, and there is NO spec for that, as it will vary depending on what prop is installed as it is adjusted/set while in gear. Different Pitches/Diameter will load the engine differently