Joe Reeves Slow Speed Needle Setup

[jsalz]

Hi guys,
I have a 74 50hp johnson that I rebuilt the carbs on. Using Joe's guide, I lightly seated the SS needle valves and backed out 1 and 1/2 turns. When I took it to the dock to make the final adjustment, I started it and she purred nicely as is after I let her warm up. Is the motor supposed to be in gear for the final adjustment? No tach.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Joe Reeves Slow Speed Needle Setup

Place running motor in Neutral gear for the slow speed mixture adjustment.

 

[jsalz]

Re: Joe Reeves Slow Speed Needle Setup

Thanks, correct me if I'm wrong, but if I were to turn the needles in cw, the RPM's will increase. I don't really need any more RPMs at idle, so should I turn them CCW to see if I can bring them down a bit or should I just leave it alone?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Joe Reeves Slow Speed Needle Setup

The mixture screws adjust the amount of fuel to intake air. If turning the mixture screw CW results in higher rpms , this indicates you're running rich now. Following the instructions by J. Reeves, turn the slow speed needle CW (in 1/8 turn increments) until max rpms are reached, a bit more will cause a drop in rpms (which is too lean). When the rpms drop, turn the needle CCW 1/8 to 1/4 . It's better to run a bit too rich(CCW) than to run too lean (CW).

Once the mixture screws are properly adjusted, the final motor rpms should be adjusted using the Idle Speed Adjustment screw.

 

[jsalz]

Re: Joe Reeves Slow Speed Needle Setup

Thanks Xcusme, it seems alot more clear now. Only problem I have is where is the idle speed adjustment screw on my motor. I checked my manual and brp's parts diagrams and see no mention of it.