93 Mercury 40 hp idle to high

dpal

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
15
I have a 1993 Mercury outboard 40 hp ELPTO 4 cyl 2 cycle. This motor is new to me and was running good the 2 times I have had it out on the water except for some sputtering at around 10 mph. I ordered a factory manual so I could check all adjustments. I first noticed the carb linkage wasn?t allowing full throttle while on the trailer. I did not look while running on the water but the RPM on the water is reaching about 5300 at about 29 mph (gps). That seamed average to me for a Pro 17 bass tracker. The motor was idling in the water about right below 800 RPM ? but will not start without choke for a second hot or cold. Now, here?s my problem. Compression equal at 125 psi. I checked the timing using the starter method and it was set to about 6 ATDC, the book said 2 BTDC - 2 ATDC. At full throttle 32 BTDC using the starter method with spark plugs removed. When I set up the timing per the book, I get a high idle situation of 1000-1100 out of the water on water muffs. The carb butterfly valves are closed with no linkage touching. The book says 600-700 RPM in gear in the water. My question is can anyone tell me from experience the difference in idle RPM out of the water and then in the water. I am wondering if the prior owner or tech set the timing lower to achieve a lower idle. It is about 1 hour to the nearest lake to test and I would rather try to get it right at home. Sorry for the long post but I know how important setup info can be.
 

dpal

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
15
Re: 93 Mercury 40 hp idle to high

Update:
The RPMs on the water is about the same. Makes for noisy shifting into forward. I have rebuilt the carbs, indexed TDC for #1, changed spark plugs, rebuilt fuel pump, adjusted idle screws and checked choke enricher for leaks. The only way I can reduce the idle rpm is to back off the throttle arm screw which places the timing at about 6-8 degrees ATDC at idle.

I did notice I have a lot of play in the trigger under the flywheel. I can move it up and down and in and out about 1/8" or more. It has no play CW or CCW.

Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks
 
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