tuning

kc angler

Recruit
Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
2
I am a new boat owner with a 9.5 Evinrude (1973). Started having problems with it and i started tinkering with it. I found out it was the fuel pump but i messed with the slow idle adjustment and the lean/rich mixture. I can now get it running, but it runs rough. Do i need to have it in a lake to get the adjustment right?
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: tuning

you can get it close in a tank, but fine tune on the water,
(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S 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 (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

Note: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.

When you have finished the above adjustment, 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.
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67Johnson6HP

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2007
Messages
103
Re: tuning

Adjustments on carb won't make it run right if the carb is dirty. If adjusting as mentioned above does not make it run right you'll have to remove the carb and clean it. Good luck!
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: tuning

Whatever you are running it in could make a huge difference. Because of the way they sit low behind the transom, keeping it from breathing smoke in a tank can be a challenge. It will run rough and be impossible to adjust properly if it is getting even a whiff of smoke.

Put it on a boat, on the lake and try to adjust it before you go ripping into the carburetor. Many carburetor problems....aren't. Until you go messing with it.
 

Okee Jimmy

Seaman
Joined
Aug 13, 2008
Messages
58
Re: tuning

Also, when you get the mixture adjusted properly, then adjust the idle speed. The idle speed is adjusted up, or down by the little knob on the side of the tiller handle where it pivots, up near the powerhead.
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: tuning

If you have a problem with exhaust fumes getting sucked back in, get a fan to blow em away... A lot easier than going to the river/lake.
 

Fast Pat

Cadet
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
9
Re: tuning

Also, check the spark on both cylinders to make sure they are firing. A good spark should jump 3/8". Don't rely on seeing the spark on a grounded plug. Get or make a spark tester.
 
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