2001 Johnson 50hp J50VLSIB "Screaming Idle"

[Biffster]

Start the motor, the use the shifter disconnect to increase idle, then it will run up to 4000 -5000 rpm's with the shifter pulled back to the idle postion, all the linkage appears to return to normal, but the thing keeps on running / idling at 5000 rpm's.

Idle is not too good, but using the throttle to help it warm up, the thing just takes off. You know you can bump it up, but then the thing just sticks and ramps up all by itself and will not slow down. Sometimes turning the key off does not help it just keeps screaming

I know I will have to replace the fuel pump, but don't want to do that until the idle problem is resolved.

Why it the thing running away?

Thank you in advance for the help.

[boats.net]

You may have an air leak in the fuel system. Also varify that your carburetors are not sticking. While the motor is running run water around the outside of the engine if the motor boggs then that is where you air leak is.

[Biffster]

Thank you. Great Idea. I'll post after I test it. Thanks.

[Biffster]

Looks like it has a leaking / not sealing reed valves. Blowing back through on the compression stroke.