help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

[rstier]

Hi,
My 88 35 HP Mercury is stalling on idle and when you put it into gear. Once you get going, it runs fine. I am thinking it may be a timing /idle issue. My Seloc manual is on the way. I was hoping someone could help me identify what the adjustment is for in the picture below. Thanks!

 

[rstier]

Re: help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

anyone?

 

[merc850]

Re: help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

That looks like the idle stop screw that advances or retards the idle but unless you've altered the timing I wouldn't move it. Instead, adjust the low speed screw in the carb at 800-1000 while engine is running in gear.

 

[rstier]

Re: help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

Ok, thanks. The low speed adjustment may be difficult because it stalls the minute you put it into gear.

That looks like the idle stop screw that advances or retards the idle but unless you've altered the timing I wouldn't move it. Instead, adjust the low speed screw in the carb at 800-1000 while engine is running in gear.

 

[sunburnt]

Re: help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

turn out 1/4 turn to rich- counterclock before starting. should be some where around 1 1/2 turns from lightly seated.if a new motor to u ,a good tune will help eliminate future probs .fuel pump- impeller- gas lines- bulb -filter water sep type- carb rebuild- plugs- all pretty easy on this motor. good motor ! should last 1000 s hrs if taken care of. check out time /idle specs on sticky at faq

 

[rstier]

Re: help with identifying this adjustment screw - stalls on idle - 1988 mercury 35 HP

Ok, I'll give that a shot. This motor is new to me. I replaced the inline fuel filter, fuel water separator, plugs and impeller before lauching and the fuel line/bulb is new. I haven't messed with the carburetor or fuel pump yet. I did mess with this screw in the picture above a little (maybe a turn or so). I am hoping that doesn't throw things off too much, that is why I was trying to identify it. Lesson learned not to turn screws that you don't know what they do!

So that being said, do I now have to look at the timing procedure or does that screw in the picture above not impact it?

Thanks for the assistance on this one!

turn out 1/4 turn to rich- counterclock before starting. should be some where around 1 1/2 turns from lightly seated.if a new motor to u ,a good tune will help eliminate future probs .fuel pump- impeller- gas lines- bulb -filter water sep type- carb rebuild- plugs- all pretty easy on this motor. good motor ! should last 1000 s hrs if taken care of. check out time /idle specs on sticky at faq