Idle question

Water Rat

Cadet
Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
15
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
 

ripped_78

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
87
Re: Idle question

Yeah your idle while in neutral should be 700 or below. You shouldn't hear that clunk after you adjust the idle.
 
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