I have a 1980 115hp johnson outboard that only revs when control lever is right forward/backward?

Question

The control box seems to have lots of freeplay on the throttle cable only, gear cable works fine, when it does rev (lever hard down) it sometimes won't return to idle when lever is returned to neutral position. Is there some part worn out in controller that needs replacing ? carbie lever and timing adjuster are free and easy to move , cables are ok. At present I have a spring on the throttle lever to reduce revs so as not to damage gearbox/motor.

Answer 1

I'm not clear on your question, but snap the throttle cable off at the engine. Then  open the throttle manually at the engine.  It that works, the cable is bad, despite its appearance. Be careful!  PS. The throttle cable should have freeplay, thats normal.

Answer 2

on the engine side you should be able to tighten the cable, there shoudl be an adjustment, if you have to take it all the way to the end or almost to the end, within 3/8 of an  inch, then replace the cable.

Answer 3

sounds like the cable needs adjusted. There is an adjustment on at least one end of the cable.(maybe both) Remove the end of the cable from throttle linkage and s***w in or out to adjust.

Answer 4

Yeah, you have got a stretched out throttle cable. I have the same problem on my 1948 Chris-Craft, but the cable is going to be a bear to replace. Go ahead and replace yours, easy to do, save yourself the headache.