2000 Johnson 60Hp Has Rough Idle

[mchunter]

My motor is a 2000 Johnson 60hp model J60PLSID. It starts fine, idles fine, WOT fine, but when you shift it out of neutral and operate at the lowest speed possible it idles rough, shakes and surges sometimes. Shift it back into neutral and it idles back up fine. I have put the Star Tron additive in the fuel ever since I bought it last year. I've never replaced anything except the spark plugs. Any ideas on what might be the problem? Thanks.

[Bill Cooper]

McHunter, You actually have a 2001 Engine. One common problem I see with those is the timing linkage coming loose or falling off. The idle speed screw is mounted in a plastic holder on the timer base. On the starboard side of the engine, look under the flywheel. There will be some wires in a black sleeve running down the side of the motor. Right where the wires go under the flywheel there should be a black plastic piece screwed to the timer base arm with a flat headed stainless steel screw that is the idle speed screw. Make sure it has not fallen off and laying in the lower engine cowling. If everything looks OK, you will probably need some professional help. If you need a picture send me an email referencing your model number and this forum. sonsacmarine@hotmail.com

[mchunter]

McHunter, You actually have a 2001 Engine. One common problem I see with those is the timing linkage coming loose or falling off. The idle speed screw is mounted in a plastic holder on the timer base. On the starboard side of the engine, look under the flywheel. There will be some wires in a black sleeve running down the side of the motor. Right where the wires go under the flywheel there should be a black plastic piece screwed to the timer base arm with a flat headed stainless steel screw that is the idle speed screw. Make sure it has not fallen off and laying in the lower engine cowling. If everything looks OK, you will probably need some professional help. If you need a picture send me an email referencing your model number and this forum. sonsacmarine@hotmail.com

Thanks Bill. I will check that out.