idle mixture/plug question

2cycle

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 12, 2004
Messages
234
Hello, I have a 74 150 and have noticed that, with all three idle mixture screws set at anywhere from 2-3 turns out, the top two plugs look normal and the bottom 4 look flooded or too rich - virtually clean. The cylinders have verifiable spark. And when disconnecting each one there is a noticeable difference. I was wondering if it is common on these to have some variance between the idle speed settings on each carburetor? The boat seems like it is loading up out of the hole and I'm wondering if it has something to do with 2 of the carburetor settings being too rich. I had them all set at 2.5 turns open, but the spark plugs look different as noted between 1/2 and 3-6. I appreciate any advice or direction. Thanks a lot.<br />Also, the carburetors have been rebuilt and it runs fine other than the loading up and apparent mixture problem..
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: idle mixture/plug question

2cycle,<br /><br />
virtually clean
on these engines usually means that water is getting into the cylinders and cleaning the plugs. How long since the exhaust cover gaskets were last replaced?<br /><br />Chris..............
 

2cycle

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 12, 2004
Messages
234
Re: idle mixture/plug question

achris,<br /> I have only had the engine for 3 years and have no idea when the exhaust cover gaskets were replaced. Does the powerhead have to be removed to take care of this (I'm assuming so)? Thanks for the reply.
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: idle mixture/plug question

yep!<br /><br />Inside the exhaust covers is a 'water pocket cover'. That's usually the one that leaks. The bolts are held in with a product called 'resi-weld'. It's a high temperature epoxy glue. To do the job, follow the Merc manual exactly!<br /><br />And while you have the powerhead off, change the bottom crankshaft seals too.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br /><br />Chris............
 

2cycle

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 12, 2004
Messages
234
Re: idle mixture/plug question

achris,<br /> Thanks for the reply and expertise. I guess I'm in for a learning experience..
 
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