Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

[gewf631]

And this is probably a question for phatmanmike, Ed Mc., Clams Canino, or anyone else with experience...<br /><br />But, I followed phatmanmike's recommendation, and read through most every post over at the bigweek.mercury-inlines newsgroup at news.kraits.org<br /><br />Within the last week, there was a couple posts that mentioned the removal of the "idle stabilizer", but I couldn't find anything specific.<br /><br />I understand that its purpose is to monitor engine speed, increasing it if falls below a certain RPM. I've search the iBoats forum, and have seen opinions both ways (some say keep, others say toss).<br /><br />What's the concensus? If it helps, mine is an '85, with S/N 06631131.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

What would you expect removing it to help? It doesn't do anything above idle and it helps with idling. I mean it's not like you're going to get more top end or better hole shot without it. If it was shorted and preventing spark, then I wouldn't have a problem with removing it.<br /><br />It's kinda like turning the AFC off on your color TV. The TV will still work, but you'll have to fine tune it all the time.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

WillyBWright,<br /> Thanks for the response.<br /><br /> It was more a question based on the timing and conviction of the posts I had seen in the newsgroup. Then when I checked over here, there were comments both ways.<br /><br /> I've always felt that if it ain't broke, don't fix-it, so I'll certainly leave it alone.

 

[mbb]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

Get rid of the idle stabilizer. It does NOTHING, and it had a history of contributing to powerpack failures. You will never know it isnt there. Mercury finally got rid of it for these reasons. Mechanics removed them from customers engines. Mine was taken off an 1981 motor I had.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

the tower of power normally refers to an inline 6. I dont think yours,if its an inline 6, had one.<br /> the v6 did and it not only adjusted the idle timing if RPM dropped below 650 it added some spark advance above 500 or so.<br /> it was somewhat troublesome and most were bypassed. but I dont think the mid eighties inline motors had them. course the engineers failed to check with me agan.<br />good luck and keep posting

 

[achris]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

Sorry Rodbolt, some of the later inlines had stabilizers. They started in the 115, 'round 1981/2.<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Tower of Power and Idle Stabilizer

Indeed, if you have an Inline Six with an idle stabilizer, the best thing you can do for the motor is to get rid of it!!!!<br /><br />The other bad thing they can do is screw up the timing at places other than idle. And if the timing on an inline gets advanced too far beyond what it's already set at, stand by and watch #1 and #3 pistons go up in smoke!!!