3.5 hp does not want to idle

smsscuba

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
126
My 2008 Tohatsu 3.5 four stroke outboard (MFS3.5) stalls if let run on very slow idle.What can I do to stop this. The plug is new, carb slow idle jet was removed and cleaned.
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,570
Re: 3.5 hp does not want to idle

Clean the carb again, properly, and set the idle with a good shop tach. That carb does not have a slow idle jet, so what was removed/cleaned?
 

jrs_diesel

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 3, 2010
Messages
552
Re: 3.5 hp does not want to idle

If it's anything like my 3.5 2 stroke, there's only one jet, the main jet. The only adjustment is for the idle speed.

It's also happens to be my favorite carb to clean or service because of it's simplicity.
 

smsscuba

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
126
Re: 3.5 hp does not want to idle

ok, so i must have cleaned the main jet, it was partially blocked though.Which screw is intended for the idling setting? Many thanks in advance.
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
Re: 3.5 hp does not want to idle

You will only find one screw on the carb, turn CW to increase rpm, adjust to a point that when engine is in gear at idle, engine does not die.

Happy Boating
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,570
Re: 3.5 hp does not want to idle

ok, so i must have cleaned the main jet, it was partially blocked though.Which screw is intended for the idling setting? Many thanks in advance.

Did you do a complete disassembly and 4-hour soak in real carb dip, such as Tyme, followed by a warm water wash-out and a good blow out (either with compressed air or carb spray)? If not, you probably still have varnishing in the low-speed circuit. Especially since you found junk in the main jet. After you are 100% sure that you have really done a very thorough job on the carb, reassemble everything, and then adjust the warm idle per the specs in the Factory service manual, using a good shop tach. If you still can't achieve a slow enough idle, and everything else (including the spark plug) is in perfect condition, the carb may to be replaced.
 
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