johnb082 asked this question on 5/3/2000:
We bought a used '97 Johnson 48 HP with very few hours on it. Last May,99 we had to rebuild the carb and replace the Power Pack. The mechanic we used put a rebuilt Power Pack on it for around $100. Last Friday ,the motor started running as if the power pack has gone bad again. The motor throttles up great and runs smooth. When you throttle down it starts to sputter and cycle. If you continue to back down to idle , it seems to reestablish itself and run ok again. This doesn't happen every time , but it always seem to happen on the throttle down , not the throttle up. If it does need a power pack , this will be the third one ,that I know of , that has been on this motor. Is there something else causing the Power Pack to go bad, or should I have simply not bought a rebuilt one. I feel like the motor might be a lemon with all the problems so far. A friend of mine said that a new one is the only way to go. Does anyone have any suggestions for me and is a Power Pack something I could do under the shade tree. Of course, the mechanic I called told me to bring it in, with a turn around of 10 days. This usually means 4 weeks. I would like to handle it myself ,if possible. Any thoughs or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
cetaylor gave this response on 5/4/2000:
While this may in fact, be a power pack problem, I would be checking the throttle linkage very carefully. I have seen a number of this type of problem caused by throttle linkage variations, particularly on the "special" outboards. (48, 88 & 115 hp.) As for rebuilt power packs, you really don't save that much money on used power packs. In the future, you might want to check around and price the part at various dealers. A normal dealers price in the Washington, D.C. area is only about $125 new.
johnb082 asked this follow-up question on 5/5/2000:
Mr Taylor. first of all, thank you for your reply. It may very well be something other than the power pack . I am just going on my limited experience. The motor is just acting like it did last summer when the PP was replaced. I admit I am not very versed with the outboard motor... Is there a way I can determine if the throttle linkage is to blame without having to take it to the mechanic. Someone else suggested the ignition module. Once again, this is unfamiliar to me. I will appreciate any instructions and advise you can offer. Again, THANK YOU! John B
cetaylor gave this response on 5/5/2000:
I wish that there were a way to tell, but without specialized equipment, it is a hit or miss affair. I would recommend that you take the cover off the engine and physically check the throttle linkage for loose nuts, excess play in the links, etc. If that doesn't turn up anything definite, then I would recommend taking it to a reputable OMC mechanic. If you don't know a local mechanic that you have confidence in, you might want to call OMC and see if they can give you a more definitive recommendation.
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