1979 Volvo penta aq120 won't idle

dick-shotgun

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May 26, 2015
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Hello, my name is **** and I was just recently gifted an old 1979 bayliner with the aq120b Volvo penta 270. It wasn't running when I got it. Would turn over but not start. So I pulled the carb gave it a good cleaning and checked the timing. Turns out the timing was off so I adjusted it and it fired right up first try. Unfortunately it won't idle unless I feather the throttle or put it above 1/2 throttle. If I try to bring it down to idle it chugs, spits some crap out of the carb AMD then dies out. Any suggestions?
 
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Apr 14, 2015
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I have 2 of these haven't used them yet ,but the first time I started the motor I took the fuel line off and ran a line from a clean fuel container to the fuel pump ,only because I knew the boat had sat for a while and I would be sure the fuel in the boats fuel tank would be old and bad ...nothing worse than filling a clean carb with bad fuel ......just a consideration
 

dick-shotgun

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Thanks for the input. I pulled all the fuel lines, filter, and pump and purged them all. Drained the gas from the tank and replaced with new gas. Unfortunately still having the same issue.
 

DarrellK

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Dec 5, 2013
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A solid tune up is needed. If the timing was off, the points could be worn down. I replaced my points with a Hot Spark electronic ignition; a nice improvement. I would check the points, replace if need be (electronic ignition) replace the plugs with good resistor plugs, reset timing, and adjust carb. I expect you have the side draft carb as I do - there is no choke - the electronic ignition will help you out. Easy to install. If you have the original red plug wires, keep them, they are like cockroaches.
 

DarrellK

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Dec 5, 2013
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****,

Your post got me thinking. When you say the engine won't idle w/o feathering it - is this after the engine has reached operating temp of 180 degrees or during initial start up?

I ask because if you do have the side draft carb w/o choke, even tuned to perfection, you will need to feather that engine when it first starts. Throw in some spent plugs and worn points and it will take a bit to keep that girl running.
 
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