Evinrude 1987 E50BELCUD Idle Performance and Timing Question

[JDusza]

Working on a 50 hp, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke. This engine does not have low speed mixture adjustment. It has fixed jets.
I am trying to improve idle performance. When left at idle speed for extended time, as in trolling, the engine will eventually stall out. I can avoid the stall by applying the choke.
I am trying get a better balance between timing advance and throttle adjustment since I have no mixture adjustment.
What should I see for timing at idle speed?
And, do I have any adjustment with the red lever of the primer manual valve or is this strictly an on-off switch?
Thanks,
J

 

[racerone]

The red lever is not a switch.----The red lever is for manually opening that primer valve.----Used in case you have a dead battery and need to start this motor with a rope.----Start the trouble shooting with a compression test.----Post the numbers here.---Check the thermostat.----Test run with another tank and hose.----Running with VRO in service or a simple pump ?-----I would not start adjusting the timing at this time.----

 

[JDusza]

Compression is at 165 both cylinders.
VRO is disabled with fuel mixed at 50:1.
Thermostat is on order. I noted the temp at 108 F a little after start-up but I did not check again with further run time. The engine does run better when at temp as opposed to initial start and warm-up.
Spark will jump a 3/8" air gap and timing with a light looks rock solid, both cylinders.
Throttle butterflies are verified closed at idle.
Another tank and hose gives the same problem.
Ideas?
J

 

[saltchuckmatt]

I would say put the vro pump back on and that would reduce oil consumption at idle and solve your problems.

 

[racerone]

Maybe just bump up the idle RPM.-----How did it run last season for you ?

 

[flyingscott]

Is the pulse limiter removed? Are the carbs clean especially the idle circuit? Main Jet? Sounds like the motor is either idling to low or leaning out.

 

[JDusza]

All good. Thank you.
Engine ran smooth last year.
Boosting the idle does help but is a little fast for trolling.
Carb jets are clean.
So, ... that's why I wanted to know what timing is appropriate for idle. I may smooth it out a bit and not use fuel to do it...
I'm not a fan of auto-oiling. More moving parts means more failure modes. Whack something in the water and ruin the oiler gears, etc But then, .... here I am.
We'll see what the thermostat change does.
Thank you all,
J

 

[flyingscott]

That motor does not have oiler gears

 

[racerone]

Agreed there are no gears in a VRO unit.-----Maximum timing is what you set.---Maximum timing dos not change over the life of the motor.-----Idle timing is the point where throttle plates open.----The actual timing at smooth idle does not matter !-----Throttle plates MUST be closed at idle.-----Perhaps it is a reed valve issue.----What elevation do you run at?