Setting idle help please!

Gwedo68

Cadet
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
18
Im pretty new to boating. I have a 1958 Evinrude lark. Would like to know how to set the idle screw for the best running idle. Also where to run the slow and high speed rich and lean adjustments for best performance..
 

backyard mechanic

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
203
Re: Setting idle help please!

Im pretty new to boating. I have a 1958 Evinrude lark. Would like to know how to set the idle screw for the best running idle. Also where to run the slow and high speed rich and lean adjustments for best performance..

The idle jet is set when the engine is running at it's slowest RPM. That means the throttle plate is closed and the engine is indeed running off the idle circuit. Once set, back it out 1/8th to 1/4 turn for optimum performance.

As for the fast idle jet, spin your engine up and use a timing light to set the maximum spark advance. Once the timing is set, adjust the fast idle jet until the engine runs the best. Make sure you are still idling well and readjust the speed idle as needed. The high speed jet SHOULD NOT affect the slow speed idle jet but on initial settings it may. What makes the engine run best is making sure the timing is dead on 180* out from the top cylinder. Easily done with an ohm meter if you need to do that. It's when the points open that you set the timing to TDC...
 

Gwedo68

Cadet
Joined
Jun 1, 2011
Messages
18
Re: Setting idle help please!

Thanks. My motor does idle, but kinda rough. Was just wondering if I could just turn that screw in or out as its idling and get it to run better. The guy I got the boat from had the slower speed set all the way rich. and the higher set in the middle of rich and lean. Is that right?
 

levi_tsk

Ensign
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
907
Re: Setting idle help please!

The idle jet is set when the engine is running at it's slowest RPM. That means the throttle plate is closed and the engine is indeed running off the idle circuit. Once set, back it out 1/8th to 1/4 turn for optimum performance.

As for the fast idle jet, spin your engine up and use a timing light to set the maximum spark advance. Once the timing is set, adjust the fast idle jet until the engine runs the best. Make sure you are still idling well and readjust the speed idle as needed. The high speed jet SHOULD NOT affect the slow speed idle jet but on initial settings it may. What makes the engine run best is making sure the timing is dead on 180* out from the top cylinder. Easily done with an ohm meter if you need to do that. It's when the points open that you set the timing to TDC...

once its set LEAVE it ALONE!!! thats the right place!!!! WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANNA MOVE IT??????????????
 
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