Help Us!!! New boaters dont know how to do anything

[FELIXTHECAT]

Hi Need your help. My husband and I just bought a boat and it has a 1958 35 hpw Evinrude Lark outboard motor. <br />The carburator was rebuilt just before we bought it, and now my husband says we need to get it in the water and set the high idle. Which is fine, but in order for him to set it, I would have to drive the boat at full throttle, but I have no experience in driving a boat and not too sure this is the best way to get the experience. <br />He brought up the idea of backing the trailer and boat into the water via boat ramp just until lower unit is covered and then opening the throttle to set the idle. The only question we both have is, it this a safe effective way to do this? Does any one have any suggestions? We are so new to this, and want to do it this weekend so we are ready the next couple weeks to go boating....<br />Any help is appreciated from these BOAT DUMMIES!!!! <br />Also, if you have experience with Evinrudes my husband would love to be in contact with you for pointers and advice...<br />Thank You1!!!!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Help Us!!! New boaters dont know how to do anything

Felix.... I strongly suggest that you find someone who can help you with this initial carburetor adjustment. Being new to boating and nervous, coupled with making adjustments at full throttle is really not a good idea.<br /><br />A proper adjustment cannot be made by having the throttle set wide open with a stationary boat. The boat must be underway unless you have a factory test wheel.... the boat must be underway.<br /><br />The procedure to adjust the carburetor is as follows:<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs) <br /><br />Initial Needle Valve settings are:<br />Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out.<br />Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly: <br /><br />NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.<br /><br />(High Speed - Bottom Needle Valve) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting. <br /><br />(Low Speed - Top Needle Valve) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top 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. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, 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 />When you have finished the above adjustments, 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.