idles too fast

[diaric]

Have a 1966 merc 500. The motor runs great, starts excellent, no hessitation and 14ft runabout does about 30 mph at about 5200 rpm. The only problem is that it idles way too fast. Wasn't sure till i installed a tach. Idles at about 1400 rpm and around 1100 to 1200 in gear. Have adjusted the idle setting as per the manual but its down as far as it can go, the stop screw is at the point of not contacting the stop bracket anymore. The distributor mechanisn doesn't appear to return any further.adjusted the throttle cable at the control box, and again this made no difference. Any ideas?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: idles too fast

Do a link & sync according to your manual.

 

[diaric]

Re: idles too fast

what would a link and sync have to do with it. it does not appear to be a timming issue. another forum suggested extending the throttle cable connection at the motor to allow the mechanism to move further, allowing it to turn further and the engine to run slower. i'll try that first.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: idles too fast

In the process of doing a link & sync you will adjust timing and the linkage.