1989 evinrude 100 hp, low idle problem

[fluidshooter]

helping my neighbor try to figure out his dilema,<br />motor cranks and runs at idle for only 20 to 30 seconds and quits. we checked the fuel filter and it was full of gunk, thought that was his problem, fired it up ran for a little bit longer and quit. as long as its at high idle it runs fine but when you push the lever back and the rpms drop back down it just quits. is there and idle adjustment screw? we are not able to locate one, or just dont know what to look for. suggestions appreciated, thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1989 evinrude 100 hp, low idle problem

How long has the motor sat? How old is the fuel? What spark plugs? What oil?<br /><br />Help us help you help your neighbor.

 

[fluidshooter]

Re: 1989 evinrude 100 hp, low idle problem

motor is used regularly, 3 or more times a month, fuel is fresh, new plugs, walmart brand oil. neighbor took this boat to a shadetree mechanic because it was actually idling to high, the mechanic changed the plugs and told him a fuel hose was crimped. mechanic said it ran fine for him and charged 60.00 bucks for his expertise.<br />i spent several hours saturday with the motor, checking for any loose connections or the such. to no avail the motor just will not run at idle speed, as long as you pull the high idle lever up it will run like a champ. this is freaky

 

[DJ]

Re: 1989 evinrude 100 hp, low idle problem

fluidshooter,<br /><br />Is this engine an XP 100? If it is, it is a crossflow. <br /><br />Did your mechanic friend get the spark plug wires on the correct plugs?<br /><br />Each plug for each cylinder has its own coil. The top cylinders should have the wire coming from the top coil and the bottom cylinders from the bottom coils.<br /><br />It's a common mistake to cross a plug wire, and the result is, it won't idle.