58 18 hp Needle Valve Loose

[ironhill]

I got the motor all fixed up about 4 years ago but never got it “wet” (life gets in the way of fun).
Finally got it one the boat and it started after about 8 pulls - not bad.

Got it out on the lake and got it up to WOT by dialing in the high speed mix. Trouble is it the desired pointer setting will not stay in position. The needle vale is loose and the vibration at WOT just rotates it rich (counterclockwise) and kills the rpm.

Putting the dial pointer back on the desired position restores the rpm.

What do I tighten to keep the needle valve snug and in the same position as set?
Would it be the needle valve itself or the gland nut?

Thanks!

 

[F_R]

The gland nut, which most of us call the packing nut. To be effective though, the packings need to be in fairly decent shape. Try tightening the nut, and if that doesn't do it, you will have to go the next step (replacing the packings)

 

[ironhill]

Maybe the packing seals dried out from disuse.

I will try to tighten the nut first. I will be at the lake on the weekend and will report back.

Thank you so much!
Cheers.