Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

[bear62041]

I would like to know how to set the idle up just slightly on my 70 HP Evinrude. Engine runs great above idle and with my prop and set-up on my 24' pontoon boat it pulls 5950 rpm on my tach at full throttle. Problem just started that when I go to idle (engine warmed up after running a while on the lake at 2000-5500 rpm) the engine may idle for a minute or two, but then it dies. When I go to start it, sometimes it will start, but then still being in the idle range it will die. If it does start and dies I will need to bump the choke to get it to start the 2nd time, and then it will maybe idle for a minute or two and then die again. Each time I have to bump the choke again. A real problem when trying to dock or put it back on the trailer. I've looked the throttle linkage all over on the engine and I don't see any screw to adjust the idle up just slightly. I think that is all it needs. I also see the adjustment screws on each carb just behind the throttle butterfly linkage, and I thought about turning each screw to enrichen each carb just a little, maybe 1/8 turn each or something. But I don't know whether to turn in or turn out. Turning out seems to make sense to enrichen the mixture. The motor seems to be leaning out at idle since I need to bump the choke to get it to start back up after it dies. Please advise as soon as possible, I want to enjoy the boat as much as I can with what is left of summer. Thank you. You can also reply to twoelks@iowatelecom.net

 

[boobie]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

Try turning the screws out and see what happens.

 

[Theeplaymaker]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

I also have this same exact problem on my 60 horse. I may attempt to adjust the idle next time i'm out and see what it does. The guy that got my motor running and rebuilt the carbs showed me a single screw on the starboard side that he said adjusts the idle. I'll post up any results. It runs at idle great on the muffs but can be a real pain when i try to idle onto the trailer and it dies and won't start, i've ran up on my trailer sideways twice now because it has happened.

 

[bear62041]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

I went online last night and bought and downloaded a repair manual ($5) that covers 1990 to 2001 Evinrude from 2 HP to 70 HP. Great manual, but a little confusing in that they say you can adjust the idle by adjusting the timing screw, but then in another section show a diagram of the throttle arm assembly which shows a timing adjustment screw and below that an idle stop screw. The diagram gives a dimension of 3/4" from the face of the idle stop screw boss to where the idle screw tip contacts the throttle arm. The manual says that "the length should be 3/4" but if necessary loosen the locknut on the face of the idle stop screw boss and adjust the screw as required and then retighten the nut to hold the screw in place". So, I'm guessing to increase the idle we loosen the nut, screw the idle stop screw in (clockwise) by a little to raise the idle. The manual says the engine should be in water, started, run for 3 minutes to warm up, then put in forward gear at idle and then adjust the idle. The tuneup specs say the 60 hp should have an idle speed (in gear) of 750-850 rpm, and the 70 HP 3 cylinder 1990-1997 models idle at 600-700 rpm and the 1998 to 2001 models idle at 750-850 rpm. All I have is my dash mounted tach, so I'm going to attempt to adjust the idle 1/8 turn at a time until just enough to prevent stalling. If that doesn't do it, then the manual also tells how to adjust the fuel/air mix idle screw on each carb, by turning in or out 1/8th turn, wait 15 seconds, then turn another 1/8 turn, wait 15 seconds, and so on to get the highest idle speed, then go to the next carb and do the same, and on to the 3rd carb. Similar to the old days when adjusting an automobile carb I guess. But, I'm going to try increasng the idle stop screw adjustment first. Hope this works, and hope it helps others.

 

[bear62041]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

Theeplaymaker, I'm betting yours idles on the muffs because it is in neutral, but dies in the water when under load, the prop pushing against water, which pulls the idle down.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

You should adjust carbs and idle speed with the boat in the water, warmed up and in gear. If you have to adjust the carbs, start with the middle one first.

 

[bear62041]

Re: Adjust idle on 1996 70 HP Evinrude 3 cylinder Model #E70TLEDA

You are absolutely right, Daviet. That is exactly what I did, plus adjusted the cables to change the idle after I had readjusted the carbs in the water, in gear. Thank you everyone.