'90 Merc 25HP fix for rough low speed?

77jeff87

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Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3
My '90 Merc 25HP runs rough at low speed and I am asking if someone can help identify the cause. At about 1/8 to 1/4 throttle, the motor runs at a low rpm for a few moments, then abruptly increases in rpm without more throttle. Starts fine and runs well at WOT. I checked the spark plugs and they are oily. I tried checking the timing (with my Snap-on automotive inductive timing light) and found the timing at idle at about 1 mark left of the 0. However, the motor seems to "miss" once in awhile, and the time becomes jittery. I use a mix of 50:1 Pennzoil 2 stroke Outboard oil and gas. What is the cause? Thanks,
Jeff
 

Laddies

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Sep 10, 2004
Messages
12,218
Re: '90 Merc 25HP fix for rough low speed?

It could be a rich idle adjustment or poor syncronization, but when you say it picks up RPM at off idle once in a while you may have a ign. problem with a switch box begining to fail.
 

77jeff87

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Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3
Re: '90 Merc 25HP fix for rough low speed?

Thanks Laddies, how can I test the switch box?
 

MercFan

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Dec 31, 2005
Messages
347
Re: '90 Merc 25HP fix for rough low speed?

I agree with laddies. There are test procedures in various manuals (for the switch box), but honestly I'd start with a link & sync and that procedure includes idle mixture adjustment. sounds like it's your first timing pickup that may be off. and a good place to start on the electrical side would be to just inspect an clean all electrical contacts (with the battery disconnected). Pay special attention to earths.
 
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