Re: idle speed
The thing to do is get a shop manual and perform a full link and sync, especially if you have not done this before or have removed/replaced some linkages or parts that affect timing. I say this because setting the final idle speed is one of the last steps in the link and sync process, but it is dependent on all previous link and sync steps/settings being done correctly. If one of the earlier setting is wrong, adjusting the idle speed to spec may seem like a fix but it may only be offsetting a misadjustment in an earlier step and that is not a good thing. Just my thoughts...
Having said that and assuming all previous link and sync steps are OK, you would do the following:
1 With engine in water, connect electrical harness
(if equipped) and fuel line to engine. Start engine
and allow to warm up.
2. Properly adjust carburetor low speed mixture
screws. Initial setting is 1-1/4 turns off seat.
3. Hold throttle arm at idle position (throttle cable
barrel removed from barrel retainer). Adjust idle
timing screw to attain an engine idle RPM of
650-700 RPM in ?FORWARD? gear. Tighten locknut
and turn off engine.
