78 140 johnson problem

[jesslair4]

I have a 78 johnson 140 that runs great out of water. when I get it to the lake, it starts fine, but as soon as I take it out of neutral and give it some throttle it dies. It will barely go forward until too much throttle is given and die. I run it with rabbit ears out of water.give it full throttle and it runs great. any suggestions or help would be great. Thank you.

[Solarman]

Not really a good idea to go to WOT in neutral, or out of water with no load.

When at lake does it run in neutral ok? Then in forward, or reverse it doesn't?
Did you pump bulb, was it soft, or hard?

Post back when able.

[jesslair4]

At lake it runs in neutral ok, and even in reverse. but when I put it in forward It dies or will barely go.I can only give it so much throttle before it dies. I just took out the spark plugs to see if they were fouled. I cleaned them and put them back in since they were new this year.Hoping that might solve problem but I don't know.

[jesslair4]

Also the bulb is hard. it is new also. I've replaced it,new fuel lines,tank,carburetor kits,fuel pump and spark plugs. the boat had been sitting for about ten years when I bought it. thought I had everything going good until I had this problem.

[Solarman]

Check linkage to timing base, if not properly connected it won't advance timing as throttle moves. It should be the linkage that goes under the flywheel to timer base, and should be connected to throttle butterfly plate.

I looked in parts, but couldn't find it, the service manual can tell you how to set it for proper timing.

Also, check to make sure you're getting fire on all plugs.

I'd you haven't cleaned the small orifice jets in carbs, that needs to be done as well. If dirty fuel won't go to cylinders properly if not clean.

Good luck, keep us posted on your progress.

[jesslair4]

Thank you, I will try those things.