Adjusting the engine idle screws??

travoy

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
7
I need help on adjusting the 3 screws for my 1970 evinrude 60 hp outboard. Im new at this stuff and I took the boat out for its 1st time. It ran ok, but really seemed to cut out and slow down when I had the throttle turned up. What do I do to fix this problem?? I drained the old fuel and mixed it 50:1 so the fuel is new and I put new spark plugs as well. Where do I start?
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

On a engine this age! you start right at the beginning, compression, ignition, fuel. Also check the wiring. Is the insulation falling off?
 

travoy

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
7
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

I will try doing those steps. Thanks! The insulation looks good.
 

Bill Mattor

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
49
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

I am having a similar problem with my 40hp 1960. Mine acts like its getting to much air or fuel when I go to top end it. I started checking all the fuel lines for leaks and pulling the carb for a good scub down. Found some sediment in the bowl but it looked ok from a being clean stand point. Have it running happy right now but have to wait for ice out to do the high speed jet. I will follow this thread closly for any other ideas the guys might have.<br />Good luck.
 

Bill Mattor

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
49
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

I am having a similar problem with my 40hp 1960. Mine acts like its getting to much air or fuel when I go to top end it. I started checking all the fuel lines for leaks and pulling the carb for a good scub down. Found some sediment in the bowl but it looked ok from a being clean stand point. Have it running happy right now but have to wait for ice out to do the high speed jet. I will follow this thread closly for any other ideas the guys might have.<br />Good luck.
 

Bill Mattor

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Messages
49
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

I am having a similar problem with my 40hp 1960. Mine acts like its getting to much air or fuel when I go to top end it. I started checking all the fuel lines for leaks and pulling the carb for a good scub down. Found some sediment in the bowl but it looked ok from a being clean stand point. Have it running happy right now but have to wait for ice out to do the high speed jet. I will follow this thread closly for any other ideas the guys might have.<br />Good luck.
 

MCM

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
1,201
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

This info is courtesy of Joe Reeves vast experience with these motors, this info should apply to your motor as well Billy I beleive.<br /><br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.<br /><br />Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running.<br /><br />Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.<br /><br />Note: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.<br /><br /> EDIT: This info can also be found in the FAQ section under Awakening a sleeping outboard
 

travoy

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2005
Messages
7
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

Whoa! Thanks for the great advice!! I will have to take the boat out on Staurday to see how it will respond! Thanks you so much for the input!! Here in St George, Utah you can boat all year long. The Bass dont seem to be bitting much though. Im still new at this fishing stuff, but wont take long to figure what they are bitting. <br /> The temp of the water in the lake right now is abour 48 degrees. The Trout seem to be pretty active though. Keep on fishing!!!
 

MCM

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 1, 2005
Messages
1,201
Re: Adjusting the engine idle screws??

I'm up in the Ogden area, daytime temps are lucky to get above freezing for the time being. :rolleyes: <br /><br />Good Luck with the fishin' and the motor :)
 
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