83 25hp has a bad hesitation

[Mahanoy]

My 1983 Johnson seahorse 25 has a horrible hesitation when idling but not when running full throttle. It also hesitates for about 1-2 sec when u put the shifter from slow to fast. It is mixed 50:1 with premium fuel. Has new carburetor kit and such. The only thing is where the throttle cable connect on the left side there is a lot of play from being worn out and old. Also when I put it in high idle with the separate control it dosent rev up to much faster. You can move the throttle about 1 inch more on the motor head to where it is supposed to be at high idle. Also how do I set the timing on the motor without a test wheel. I believe this is my hesitation. I would take it to a marine shop but I don't want to have to cut my leg off to pay the bill. Thanks, Mahanoy

[boats.net]

You can set idle and pickup timing without a test wheel, start with that.

[Mahanoy]

I set the idle with the screw on top of the carb but how do I do the timing?

[boats.net]

It is adjusted threw the throttle control cam.

[Mahanoy]

How do you adjust the cam? Also is there two throttle adjustments?

[boats.net]

There is only one throttle adjustment and there is not much of an adjustment you will see the linkages on the starboard side.

[Mahanoy]

I tried to time it but I could not get it to advance enough in a 55 gal drum. How am I supposed to do it

[boats.net]

You should be able to run through the full rpm range in a 55 gal drum. Do not put into gear.