Mercruiser Carb with 3.0 engine Alpha 1 is running a little rich. Do I go in or out with screw?

[1985 Century Mustang]

I rebuilt my carb and it's idling and running real nice, I do smell it running a little bit rich, do I turn the screw in or out to make it leaner? It's a Mercruiser Alpha 1 Engine 3.0 Generation 1.

 

[dubs283]

Out/left for richer, in/right for leaner

Idle air mixture adjustment should be performed in gear at idle speed in the water

 

[kenny nunez]

Start with 1.5 turns out from lightly seated. Most times that is where it will be the best setting or 1/4 turn either way. Also checked in the water as dubs suggested.

 

[markhodges78]

I rebuilt my carb and it's idling and running real nice, I do smell it running a little bit rich, do I turn the screw in or out to make it leaner? It's a Mercruiser Alpha 1 Engine 3.0 Generation 1.

Smells rich at idle?

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Smells rich at idle?

In the water idling, yes.

 

[markhodges78]

In the water idling, yes.

Then yes in / clockwise would be leaner also while it's running look in the carburetor and make sure there's no fuel dripping from the top .. fuel pump could have to much pressure, fuel pump diaphragm could be leaking and sending fuel up through the clear / yellow hose to top of carburetor or the float could be to high..