Re: How to adjust throttle for consistent idle?
Set the idle speed with the cable disconnected. Then adjust the cable barrel so when you bring the throttle back it pushes the throttle lever (on the carb) back against the speed screw...
To add to this, you'll want to make sure the throttle arm is pressed as low (without being rough with it) against the idle speed screw as possible while the engine is fully warmed up and under load to match the RPM range specified in the service manual.
If the engine cuts off or stalls when you move the throttle fully against the idle speed screw and you have no carb/ignition issues, your idle speed screw is too low.
Once the idle speed screw is set properly, you can adjust the throttle cable with just enough pressure to keep the carb throttle arm from being loose enough to cause a high idle speed issue.
Take your time and do small incremental throttle cable adjustments to see if its right with the boat engine off. After each adjustment you make, test it with the engine off by reconnecting the throttle linkage and move the throttle cable to 3/4 throttle or WOT and quickly to the idle position.
There should be no significant bending, binding, or throttle arm play with the cable in idle position after doing the above mentioned throttle test if your adjustment is done right.
