OMC 2.6L Sea drive outboards won't idle in salt water

[Solittle]

Re: OMC 2.6L Sea drive outboards won't idle in salt water

You might reread Boatist's post. I have a pair of 1987 OMC V4 SeaDrives and had the same problem. My thermostats had been pulled so the motors would never get to proper operating temp. They would idle all day in the driveway but crap out in the water due to the back pressure. Put in new thermostats. I was also told to raise the motors a bit when at idle as it changes the angle of the float in the carbs just enough to get a tad more fuel to the motors which will result in a better idle.

 

[RKwood]

Re: OMC 2.6L Sea drive outboards won't idle in salt water

I too have a pair of 1.6l Sea Drives, and have also found that the idle better when slightly trimmed up. I had speculated this may effect float angle, and thus the improvment. My other theory was a change in exhaust back pressure, but the float theory seems more plausible.