Idle/start up rpm - 284 ChristCraft 305

[284Bullitt]

Not sure where to post - I reset my idle rpm because it seemed hard to start at 500/600 - took it up to 1000 - starts and idles great.
Now I cant shift it into drive - if I get it into drive - I cantget it out ?
​ If the boat cools down with the lower rpm it just doesn't want to restart at lower rpm. Mechanical fuel pumps seem ok - cant find any leaks - lines/filters OK. Carbs rebuilt last summer.
Help ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

rebuild your carb.

idle needs to be that low with outdrives for them to shift properly.

 

[alldodge]

Also check your timing

 

[Bondo]

I reset my idle rpm because it seemed hard to start at 500/600

Ayuh,.... That's why we can advance the throttle in neutral,... Ya got a carb, not efi,....

An idle much higher than 650 rpms, tears up the outdrive,....

 

[284Bullitt]

I cant increase the speed in neutral -

already rebuilt carbs - has new petronix and resistors - runs like a champ when warm. I'll try timing - any idea setting/degrees ?

 

[Bondo]

I cant increase the speed in neutral -

Really,..?? I've never ever seen a boat ya can't,....

 

[alldodge]

I cant increase the speed in neutral -

already rebuilt carbs - has new petronix and resistors - runs like a champ when warm. I'll try timing - any idea setting/degrees ?

Try grabbing the throttle at the pivot point and pull it straight away from the bulk head. It should pull out a bit, once there you can advance the throttle without going in gear. If this does not work, post a pic of it

Tune up
Point gap .016-.019 dwell 26-31 degrees
Timing 8 BTDC @ 650 to 700 rpm
Plugs MR43T gap .035

 

[southkogs]

I cant increase the speed in neutral

Try grabbing the throttle at the pivot point and pull it straight away from the bulk head. It should pull out a bit, once there you can advance the throttle without going in gear.

... alternatively on the older OMCs there was a red lever that increased the idle RPM to a high idle.

 

[284Bullitt]

OMG - I cant believe no one thought of that - I went to the boat - after aligning the shift lever - I pulled it away from the box. POP ! - It moved reluctantly forward and back.
​ I cleaned and lubed all the linkages and levers. - Retimed the engines - reset idle to 500 rpm - there were a few other mechanic created carburetor issues to fix(that's a story for another day)
​ End of story - problem solved - I can fast idle it and warm the engines. I can shift without stalling or crashing gears. Two shots of throttle gas and she starts like a champ.
THANK YOU ALL.

​ I also obtained a copy of the shifter diagram and install instructions from another boater. Many of my problems I believe was from trusting a marina mechanic I didn't know. It seems they have almost a unspoken routine to take advantage of new or uninformed boat owners.
I should have educated my self more before the purchase - now I will continue to read and improve my skills. I guess there two things I learned so far - carry stacks of cash or learn to use your head and hands. Also - ask questions of those who know - I was embarrassed to admit I screwed up or didn't have the knowledge.

Now - if I can find a Muskie !