Reseting the idle needle?

[1968dart]

I took the carb off my 1977 15hp Evinrude and soak it in sea-foam then blew it out with air and put it all back together. When I removed the idle screw I counted the turns it took to remove it. The thing is is that there is a rubber boot that the needle goes in to and its quite deep. So when I removed it I think I counted the turns coming out of the rubber on top the turn of the threads. Then when I put it back in I tried to do it the same. I ran the motor and it started right up and would run well and sounded good but when I backed off past shift to slow it would begin to die, and then would die if I went to far. I played back and forth put couldn't get it quite right. So does anyone know what would be the factory setting? I read to try to find out and don't know if its the same for my carb? All the way in, then a turn and a half out? I'd just try it and not bother asking, but is't that why this forums here?

Thanks for the help.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Reseting the idle needle?

Initial setting is 1 turn out from gently bottomed.Final adjustment warm in gear with the boat unrestrained.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Reseting the idle needle?

Most recommend carb cleaner spray or carb dip followed with compressed air to clean the carb internals. It's common practice to count the turns to gently CLOSE the needle valves, as fully seated gives you a reference point.

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.

 

[1968dart]

Re: Reseting the idle needle?

Thanks ....I checked it and thats pretty much where it was I'll just have to play some more....plus it will be easyer on the water. Also the trolling speed ajuster on the side of the motor was all the way out so it might not idle that low?

 

[Mas]

Re: Reseting the idle needle?

If you still cannot find that "sweet spot," your idle circuit might still have gunk in it...especially the very little hole that open into the carb throat/venturi. I like to find an extremely fine wire and run it through those holes to make sure sure they're clean.

MAS