Fast Idle Problem 1996 Johnson 88 hp

[Tinman]

I have developed a fast-idle problem on my 1996 Johnson 88 hp.

The fast-idle lever on the control box seems very loose, and it hardly boosts the idle speed at all. When I remove the motor cover and work the fast-idle lever, I can see that it barely moves the throttle linkage, and barely revs the engine. The fast-idle lever seems completely loose in the first 40 degrees of travel. In the last 5 degrees it finally gets a bit of tension and moves the linkage.

All was working fine last week and the fast-idle lever boosted rpm quite a bit, as it always had. This is a sudden change. I also notice that the engine sometimes seems to take a long time to idle down from high speed.

Engine model is J88TSLEDR
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/Control_Box_013.JPG

[budnate]

most likely the set screw that holds the shifter and the works together in the middle has almost fallen out, I had the same problem with my box same era as yours, crimp the threads use loctite and stick all back together, oh and your not going to like splitting the box wide open pita, at least yours it in the open.

peace, B.

[Tinman]

most likely the set screw that holds the shifter and the works together in the middle has almost fallen out, I had the same problem with my box same era as yours, crimp the threads use loctite and stick all back together, oh and your not going to like splitting the box wide open pita, at least yours it in the open.

peace, B.

Many thanks, you were exactly right. The screw holding the fast idle lever pivot point had backed off, and the lever was slipping on its shaft. I loctited it back together and it works great. Guys like you make Ifish great.