60 horse merc idles fast 1996 bigfoot

yatabata

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Engine runs but fast idle. 2000 rpm. Carbs cleaned and fuel pump. Has a miss too. Is the timing off now?
 
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Texasmark

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If you diddled with the linkage when you did the carbs and that engine has a link and sync like the 90 of the same series, yes you apparently got your sync off and have the timing advanced too far. Idle speed is set by the spark advance and is around 4 BTDC at idle. The little set screw on the side of the throttle lever that is controlled by the remote cable connector is for adjusting the idle and it varies timing.
 

yatabata

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OK that makes sense but just needed some guidance. I didn't adjust the linkage on each carb, just cleaned and put back on the same way. I'll disconnect the throttle cable and do a static timing check. All three carb mixture screws have a 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 turns. Is there vacuum lines to check on these engines? I plan on spraying soap water on to check for air leaks too. Thanks
 

Texasmark

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Fuel pump operates off cylinder vacuum but diaphragm inside it only rubber part involved. It mounts directly to side of cylinder casting. No vacuum advance type things like 4 strokers used to have. Spark advance is mechanical and to set up your link and sync you really need a manual which iboats sells access to either by buying the Seloc manual directly or renting time on the internet which I did and liked it. Spark advance runs roughly 4 BTDC at idle to 20 at WOT. Not necessarily tied to butterfly position as you should have a fuel saver feature where once you advance to full throttle and back off, you start closing your butterflies before the advance starts retarding, an economy feature.

Your needle valve settings seem to be in the right general area. At least you aren't too lean which is frowned on.

On hoses and air leaks, good idea and also check your fuel line from your tank. I had mine scale up after 10 years of ethanol usage. Scale clogged the squeeze bulb and internal inline filter. Actually replacing all your fuel lines and internal filter would be a great idea.

Normal idle should be between 650 and 700 rpm.
 

yatabata

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Thanks for the info and will link and sync the engine. I have the Seloc manual which has the info for the settings but confused on the which screw adjustment on the throttle arm adjust the timing? Some Merc Engines have an adjustment at the top of the arm just under the flywheel. All the adjustments screws on this motor are down around the swivel at mid point. I understand to set the timing first then adjust the carbs so the cam roller is within the gap setting. I plan on trying this out this weekend and will let you know how it goes. I appreciate you staying with me on this.
 

Texasmark

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I think you are looking at it. Do this: Watching this screw and it's resting place, advance the throttle slightly using the remote control handle. If this screw immediately comes off it's seat this is your idle adjust which adjusts your idle speed aka timing.
 

yatabata

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I have to use the arm with the throttle cable disconnected. Don't have a remote handle.
 

yatabata

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No Title

Identified adjustments on my mercury. Pretty cool visual tool.
 

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yatabata

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Hi Doc, finally got into checking the timing and idle timing was 6 degrees ATDC and maximum WOT was at 30 BTDC. I lowered that that back down to the spec. 24. I wasn't able to lower the idle timing any lower with the adjustment screw? I'm thinking I need to get the cam off the throttle lever. I need to sync the carbs next anyway. Hopefully I'm on the right track. The remote switch and grounding the plug wires worked great.
 

Texasmark

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Seloc manual tell you 24 was the WOT number. Was that at cranking speed with the plugs in or out throttle at max? Reason why I ask is my 90 triple was 20 without and 22 with.

The idle setting of 6 degrees had to be BTDC. ATDC is 0. I guess you are referring to me as Doc since no one else is on this problem. Thanks....I think. Grin.
 

yatabata

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Not sure where I got Doc from? I guess Tex is more fitting. I relooked at the books specs and the idle timing for a 60 horse states 2-6 degrees ATDC but doesn't state that it's for a 2 stroke mercury? Doesn't specify. It is a Seloc. The max WOT was plugs out and cranking with remote.
 

Texasmark

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Not sure where I got Doc from? I guess Tex is more fitting. I relooked at the books specs and the idle timing for a 60 horse states 2-6 degrees ATDC but doesn't state that it's for a 2 stroke mercury? Doesn't specify. It is a Seloc. The max WOT was plugs out and cranking with remote.

Oops, sorry I had a brain fart. ATDC means After Top Dead Center, meaning it fires after the peak of the compression cycle....opposite side of zero from the WOT setting.

Funny, I don't think I ever saw the spec for any engine ATDC. Merc apparently wants to reduce the combustion pressure at idle. Humph! Oh well try it, have nothing to loose. Apparently they have a reason one would think.
 

yatabata

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Hi Tex, first off how do I get promoted to like first mate? I think I'm going to be around on the forum. As you can see I'm persistent and don't give up. So today released the tension on the cam roller and got a gap now .015. Rechecked the idle timing still 6 degrees ATDC and the maximum WOT still at 24 degrees BTDC. Was going to start it up but one of the wire connectors broke so need to fix it first. Will check the others too since that one was corroded. Need to go pick up some moisture proof marine connectors.
 

Texasmark

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Just like anything else. You have to earn your stripes and bars and if you stay with it you get stars on your boards (boards a nautical term for the device upon the shoulders of the uniform upon which officer's insignia are placed on certain uniforms........like dress blues for an evening out.
 
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