I have a johnson 175 outboard motor that chokes and dies when in gear?

Question

I have a 1978 johnson outboard motor that starts fine and idle's good but when i put it in gear it goes o.k. but when i give it more gas it dies.when i am in neutral and gives it gas it is a little slugish but will catch and go but not in gear.When in reverse it will go fine if i ease into it .

Answer 1

sounds like gummy carb.has it sat for over 3 months with gas in the carb? if so clean out the bowl and clear the jets.check tell tale valve to be sure its pumping water to the heads.

Answer 2

This is simple. The fuel line has to hold pressure, otherwise the carb runs dry. Lacking fuel, the motor will cough, spit and cut off, just like you described. Listen close at the fittings for the wheezing sound of sucking air while you pump the primer bulb. If that doesn't help, just replace the whole fuel line with bulb and fittings. Those things wear out after awhile anyway. Alternatively, you can buy a new bulb and quick-disconnect fittings to install on the hose you have. The male fittings on the tank and motor will pretty much last forever. They for sure outlast a portable fuel tank, and the one on my 1979 vintage motor is original and still going. If the bulb still loses prime, take the air silencer cover off the front of the motor, till the motor full up, pump up the primer bulb and keep squeezing. Don't try to burst it or anything, just apply some pressure. If you see gas running out the carb throat, it means your float valve is worn out or misadjusted. Otherwise, start replacing the fuel lines on the motor (fitting to pump, pump to carb). Somewhere in there is an air leak, it's just a matter of time until you find it.

Answer 3

Sounds like a carb clean to me, if you have a choke/enrichener, utilize it. If the motor does better, it's running lean and you may have a restriction and your motor needs to receive more fuel. Easiest way to check. Now if you said it dies when you put it in gear, it could have just need the idle speed screw adjusted to raise the rpms to proper spec, when the prop spins, you receive your load, and if your rpms are too low, your enging will most likely die, or struggle then die.

Answer 4

There is 6 brass hex head 7/16 plugs on the side of the carb remove an spray gumout carb cleaner inside. Run in fuel also.That should that care of your problem???

Answer 5

yeah, maybe needs carbs. cleaned and synchroed. check for fire on all 6. also do a compression check. you need 100# on all with less than 12# between any two.