1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

csisommout

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Hi,
I have 1966 Evinrude, Model#18602-03, 2cyl, 18 HP, Starts and run at high speed only, can not idle and die when bring it to idle speed, anybody has any advice thank you in advance.
 

Cap'n Chaos

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

Has it ever idled correctly?

I can't remember if the 66 has a separate adjustment for low and high speed... it could be as simple as adjusting the fuel/air mix for the low speed circuit.
 

scottmm73

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

Have you adjusted the low speed needle? This is the needle at the 12 O'clock position on the carburetor. It has the linkage that connects to the low speed knob.

Page 3-8 of the OEM manual.

a. Turn low-speed needle clockwise until need seats gently. DO NOT FORCE

b. Turn low-speed needle counterclockwise 1-1/4 turn.

c. With motor at operating temperature, run in gear at slow speed (700-750 rpm) with test propeller in tank or on boat. Adjust low-speed knob until highest rpm reading and smoothest performance are obtained. Allow 15 seconds for motor to respond to adjustment.

d. Replace low speed valve arm in normal position. DO NOT disturb position of needle while installing valve arm.

e. Adjust idle adjustment screw (this is the tiller throttle stop) so motor will idle at 550 rpm IN GEAR.
 

csisommout

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

It has top needle speed only, I assume it is slow speed needle. The motor will run in barrel above idle speed. thank you for reply more info will help. thank you
 

csisommout

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

I tried to reseat needle speed and adjusted it. I did not hear the sound difference. any ideas?
 

Cap'n Chaos

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

You'll need to give the motor 20 seconds or so to respond to the adjustments.

When was the last time the carb was cleaned / rebuilt ?
 

kfa4303

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

HI Casio. I have a '66 Johnson myself. These motors have a fixed hi speed needle and an adjustable low speed idle needle. For starters, make sure you have good compression in both cylinders and a strong spark. After that, I would start by inspecting the brass nut low speed needle passes through. It may be too loose. You should snug it down until the needle is still adjustable, but not so loose that it wiggles around. If that has no effect, you probably want to take the carb a part and give it a good cleaning/rebuild. It's a simple DIY job and you can get a rebuild kit right here at iboats for about $20. Here are some handy links that can walk you through that job and an overall tune up.

Maintaining Johnson E & FD Serie

1966 Evinrude 18603 18 hp Outboard Motor Parts
 

csisommout

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Re: 1966 Evinrude, can not idle?

Thank you for your guys help, will try all those. Thanks again.
 
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