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I have a 1985 17' Super Sport with a 1985 90 HP Johnson. The motor has a tendency to die when put into gear. Once the motor is run in gear for a while, the problem is lessened but it's still there.

The only way to keep the motor running while getting out of neutral is to slam the motor into gear quickly - that is, start in neutral at idle, but rather than easing the motor normally into gear, you have to both put it into gear and simultaneously advance the throttle well beyond idle. Obviously this is awkward and undesirable. Any suggestions as to what's causing the problem and what can be done to solve it?

Thanks in advance,
Jay

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Have you considered a fuel issue. Check your fuel filter (if using one) and trace and inspect the fuel lines from the fuel tank to the motor (if possible) for an obstruction or delamination.

Is this a recent problem? Are you using fuel with Ethnanol? If your fuel lines (especially the hoses on the outboard to fuel pump, carburators) and primer bulb are not Ethanol compliant, issues will present themselves.

I experienced this problem a short while back with a non-compatible primer bulb that broke down internally and contaminated my outboards fuel system.

If no Ethanol issues, then maybe your carbs are out of sync or possibly an ignition timing issue.

Angel M.

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Before you clean/rebuild the carbs have the compression checked.

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Jay, need some more historical information - like how long you have owned this boat and motor, whether this problem is new or has always been this way, and what work you've had done on the motor, recently or otherwise.

In general, for a problem like this you'd start with a link'n'sync, which is the process of aligning the throttle / shift lever's movement with the carbs and timing advance mechanism. A mechanic who knows these motors should be able to do that very inexpensively, or it's easy to do yourself if you have the factory service manual.

Tim