Re: 10 hp evinrude won't idle
Well, don't worry about the compression until you get a screw-in type. I'm thinking about 80 or 85 lbs. on a well-used but good one, 90 on a GREAT one.
Your problem is likely your idle adjustment. Take the knob off. Screw it all the way in slowly until you lightly seat it (it's very sharp on the end in order to do its job and tightening it too tight will ruin the tip). Then loosen it about 1 1/2 turns. crank it up and tighten it about 1/8 of a turn at a time pausing in between turns to let the motor catch up. As you turn it counterclockwise, you will eventually hear the motor start to speed up as you lean out the mixture. If you go too far, it will start to "lean sneeze" if your carb is clean. Back it off about an 1/8th of a turn or until it smooths back out. It should idle good. If turning the idle screw doesn't have an affect on it, then you probably got a piece of packing in the jet when you screwed the needle back in or the carb is not clean. In the FAQ's section of the forum, Joe Reeves (an expert) posted his carb setting method which is flawless and may be easier to understand. I believe it's the third thread from the bottom. Don't forget to tighten the adjusting nut with a 7/16 inch end wrench so the needle won't loosen up and ruin your adjustment when it's running. You should tighten it until it squeezes the packing down on the needle enough to make it where it won't turn unless YOU turn it. If you tighten the nut all the way to the carb face before it starts to bind up the needle like it's supposed to, then you need more packing. Once you get it set right, THEN put the knob back on.
Good luck,
JBJ
