High Idle - 1985 Merc 115 inline 6

Jjgiuffre

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
3
I've been scratching my head and going in circles trying to figure out why this motor is idling at 1500 RPM! The motor started off with a no spark issue, so after visual inspection, found the yellow wires from stator were green and disintegrated. Tested all ignition and found that not only did I need a stator, but also a rectifier and two switch boxes. These are the parts I ordered:
- Quicksilver stator
- Sierra rectifier
- Chinese offbrand switch boxes from Ebay (2 for $125 shipped)

I also noticed some fuel leaking from one of the carb gaskets, so I pulled the carbs and cleaned and soaked jets and rebuilt with new gaskets. Also, checked needles and they are good.

So, after putting everything back together, first turn of the key and it started right up. Problem is, it runs at 1500 RPM. Now I'm going off the tach, which might be bad, but still, I can hear when an engine is idling high.

All of the factory synch n link is original and hasn't been messed with. But I did try backing off the throttle control lever and the lever wont move anymore. I did pull the eight bolts on the two piece flywheel when I replaced the stator, but made sure that I installed it back at TDC. However, I moved the flywheel around eight times in every configuration, just to make sure I didn't put it on wrong, but the idling condition doesn't change. I pulled the carbs again and checked the reed valves and they all look good. Checked that the throttle plates are seated and they are. Reinstalled and sprayed carb cleaner around intake while running, looking for an air leak. I've disconnected the idle stabilizer. I've pulled the jets on top of the float bowls. I'm at 1.5 - 1.75 turns out on my idle mixture screw and if I back it out more, it slows it down, but as soon as I put a load on it, it dies.

I'm a certified marine mechanic and I've been turning wrenches for over ten years. I consider myself a pretty damn good mechanic and a really good troubleshooter. I've gone through all of the stupid stuff over and over, so please no comments about throttle cables and backing off the throttle control arm.

WHAT AM I MISSING!!!!!
 
Last edited:

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,278
I believe you need to adjust the throttle cable to slow the motor down.-----Find the barrel on the cable at the motor.-----One way will make it go faster and the other way will slow it down.---Fairly easy adjustment.
 

Jjgiuffre

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
3
Yeah, that's not the issue. In fact, the throttle cable is disconnected and throttle arm is all the way back and seated.
 

Jjgiuffre

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2017
Messages
3
****Update***** Well, soma *****! I didn't soak the split enough with carb cleaner, where the intake manifold meets the powerhead. Sure enough, idles down. Need a new intake gasket!!
 
Top