^^Good description! Initial settings are 1 1/2 open (c.clockwise) for the l.s. needle from lightly closed. Initial h.s. setting is about half to 3/4 turn open. Adjustments are small in a clean carb (increments of 1/8 turn). Tighten the gland nuts to keep the needles in place after tuned in...
Glad to hear you are up and running. If the needle wants to wander when running, you might need to replace the red plastic retainer to tighten things up. Additionally, on my '80s 9.9s, I sometimes need to set the needle a little richer for cold starting (1/8 or 1/4 turn c.clockwise), then...
So there's a joke about a new Rolls Royce owner who has the misfortune of a broken suspension spring. After trying for six months to obtain factory assistance, he finally gets a terse letter: "Rolls Royce springs do not break."
Sounds like the idle air/fuel mix is a little lean. Set it 1/8 turn counter clockwise. Repeat as necessary.
When you set the idle mix, rpm will increase as you turn clockwise (leaner). If the engine backfires ("lean sneeze") or stall, turn counterclockwise 1/4 turn. This should be close to...
Difficult to follow your narrative. Your first post says the engine(s) idle when the tiller handle is set -- and that the cam follower does not contact the cam at that point. This all sounds normal. Your motors should idle at around 650 rpm warmed up and in gear, on the boat or in a suitable...
Might help (grey wire), along with instructions or diagram from the tach manufacturer: https://www.maxrules.com/graphics/omc/wiring/1989_89_150_175_35A.jpg
I'm not a deciple of West System, particularly since there are now many good competitive products available now. But West used to market aluminum powder that was to be used as a thickener when working with aluminum. I'll guess the filler would increase heat resistance as well as tensile...
I'm a fan of West System, but don't know if it's available in small sized containers. Wrap the bolt in plastic wrap. When the epoxy partially sets up, screw in the bolt then let the epoxy fully set. Back out the bolt, pull out large pieces of plastic wrap and you are good to go.
air lock causes engine temp to fluctuate. Overheating is the main threat, but temp fluctuation could likely cause uneven running. Change the impeller if you haven't done that in a year or so -- special kit was prescribed, I think, so might do a search here ("move tell tale" or similar).
compression, spark, engine temp? Need a dependable comp. tester (can be borrowed from some auto parts stores), open air adjustable spark tester to check ignition system, infra red temp gun (helpful for testing operating temps).
If the h.s. jet is cleared, still need to take off the aluminum compression fitting on top to access idle passages. Best to open up the carb and soak all metal in brake or carb cleaner, then clean every opening with soft wire. Finish with carb spray using the plastic nozzle.
Like all engine...
