Idle question

[Water Rat]

My Seloc book says that my 1980 (Rebuilt) Mercruiser 898 V8 should Idle at 650 to 700 IN GEAR. What about out of gear? Mine idles at about 1000 out of gear but when I put it in gear there is a loud Thunk, Which I know is the outdrive engaging, but I wonder if I reduce the RPM's it won't be better for the outdrive. It's out of water right now so I can't really do a real in Gear test, (i.e. no drag from the water) but if I drop the out of gear idle to about 800, do you think that will be ok? I can always increase it later.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: Idle question

You cannot adjust the idle mixture or speed out of the water properly, not only because of drag but because of back pressure at the exhaust

 

[jch7450]

Re: Idle question

I agree, do it the water

 

[Bondo]

Re: Idle question

I'd Lower it to 700rpms,+ If it stalls in the Water,...... Turn it Up alittle..........<br /><br />No Sense in Beating the drive when you're working on it.........<br /><br />It's an Alpha,...... Remember to Shift it Briskly........