Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

[Bob Gaunt]

Can anyone tell me what the idle speed should be for this engine? Also, can I adjust the speed or do I need to take to a marina? <br /><br />Thanks, for your help and suggestions!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

Hi Bob<br /><br />According to the operation manual for that motor, it's between 600 and 700 RPM in gear, and the idle speed is not easy to adjust.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

Bob, sorry I 've just noticed that we're repeating a conversation we had just over a month ago and you're obviously after more information.<br /><br />What I do know is that the idle speed is controlled by "QuickStart" - in other words controlled by electronic wizardry in the engine. That's why adjusting it is not so simple.<br /><br />I've often thought mine idles a bit fast at times. QuickStart should hold a fast idle speed for about 5 seconds after a cold start and then revert to a slower speed. The manual says to not shift the motor into gear during that fast idle time - as this could cause gear damage.<br /><br />What sort of idle speeds are you getting at present ? Does it cause a clunk when you shift into gear ?

 

[jegervais]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

Setting idle speed requires the adjustment be made in the water, boat unrestrained (not tied to dock) and with the correct prop installed. Kiwi is correct, idle speed should be 600 to 700 rpm and that's in gear. If you try to set your outboards idle speed while running on a flushing attachment in your driveway (and I don't know if you are or not), you will encounter problems when you launch the boat and try and run it in the water. The engine requires the back-pressure from the column of water that's in the mid-section when the boat is at rest in the water.<br /><br />QuickStart is activated every time the engine is started (yellow/red wire from keyswitch, to solenoid, to powerpack). The powerpack or timerbase (depending on model) have electronic circuitry that advances engine timing 10 degrees. Depending on the engine model, QuickStart deactivates when the engine reaches approximately 96 to 105 degrees(F) (white/black wire from temp switch grounds circuit when correct engine temp is achieved). When restarting a warm engine, it "time-outs" after 5 to 7 seconds. Also, it goes inactive above 1100 rpm's.<br /><br />So just what kind of problem ARE you having??<br /><br />-John

 

[Bob Gaunt]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

Thanks, for the info on cold start and 5 seconds. No it doesn't clunk when you put it into gear but I'll watch the cold start and remember what you said. Seems the engine is idling around 1000 rpm's at idle, but every once in awhile it will drop to the 600-700 range. It's not consistant. I've only had the pontoon boat out twice and that has been in cool weather. Maybe as the weather gets warmer and I learn more about this engine I get a better handle on the situation.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

Bob - I think 1000 RPM is about right in neutral (about the same as mine) because I think you'd expect it to be faster than when in gear. I guess that "in gear" means the slowest that the engine should idle at. I think cold crisp air makes the engine run better (faster) too.<br /><br />John - thanks for the information on setting up the idle speed and QuickStart - much appreciated.

 

[Bob Gaunt]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

John,<br />Not having any major problem other than I think the motor idles a bit too fast, under load. This is also my first outboard engine and I don't know the answers, that why I have asked the experts like you and 62_Kiwi. The engine has had excellent care with yearly spark plug and lower unit services and has been winterized/fogged by the local dealer. <br />I also have a 243 Cobalt that I won't even dare to work on, other than a few basic things.

 

[jegervais]

Re: Idle speed 1993 Evinrude 115 HP

I would expect to see 900 to 1000 rpm's in nuetral, but 600-700 in gear is what you want to see. BTW I do not trust in-dash tach's for setting idle speed, they can be off as much as 150 rpm's. I always use a quality shop-tach (mine is a Snap-On {BluePoint}) when setting the idle speed on any engine.<br /><br />-John