Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Rallendk

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Hey there.

Bought this pretty old 3 hp Evinrude motor last week. At the time I bought it, the two turning knobs for high speed and slow speed were supposedly set in the "right" positions. A friend of mine was quick to mess that up when I showed him my little new, and he could'nt resist turning both knobs.

How am I supposed to set them the right way now?

slowspeedhigh.jpg
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
 

Rallendk

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Thanks! Actually Ive found that guide already, but it seems like i cant turn the knobs more than one turn..
 

82rude

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

in you picture you have 2 adjusters .if you wish to make 100 percent sure all is correct you have to pull off the caps.then lightly seat the high and low speed, follow joes instructions and put the caps back on being sure to leave some room so if necessary you can adjust either way without hitting the stops .
 

Mohawkmtrs

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Pull the knobs off, make the initial and final adjustment(s) like joe said and replace knobs.
 

Rallendk

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

My english isnt the best, and im a little bit uncertain about the term seated. So, just to make 100 % sure; i remove the plastic caps and turn both pins untill fully closed/tight. From there, i make the mentioned adjustments? :)
 

82rude

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

turn both pins to the right or clockwise.till you feel them bottom out .do not force them tightly closed.
 

Rallendk

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

turn both pins to the right or clockwise.till you feel them bottom out .do not force them tightly closed.

Thanks! I think I get it now.

Is there a reason why I need to take off the caps and change the settings in a bigger area than the "normal" one? It feels like im messing with something I shouldn't ;)
 

Rallendk

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Bonus question - which gas:eek:il ratio would i use?
The model should be a 3836a 3 hp from 1968.
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Mixture = 24/1 = 1qt of 50/1 oil to 6gal gasoline.

Knobs pulled off so that the knobs do not contact the stop area. Turn until gently seated... do not force in after seating.

After adjusting to where they shoud be, pull knobs off if needed then reinstall so that the center of the knob is centered.
 

Rallendk

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Great. Thanks! I thought i heard something about 1:50 for old evinrude motors somewhere else, but that might be for other types then?
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

Great. Thanks! I thought i heard something about 1:50 for old evinrude motors somewhere else, but that might be for other types then?

No idea what that pertains to. However your engine is as I stated previously (24/1)
 

1946Zephyr

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

I definately wouldn't go any leaner than 24:1 in that. There are no needle bearings in that motor, at all. Truthfully, if you want to extend the life of it, I would go 16:1. The design is still the same as it was in 1952 and those were the common recemendations for friction based motors. Infact, even non friction motors run 24:1 till 1964. They even put 50:1 instructions on those 3's after 1964 and that was a big no no on OMC's part. Most likely, the only 3's that survived, were those owned by people who knew better. Another big blunder? The 100:1 motors.:facepalm:

I wouldn't go to Napa for parts, either. I would go OEM whenever possible. I heard a lot of bad things about the Sierra impellers, for the 3's
 

Rallendk

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Messages
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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Is this supposed to be 0.5 - 1 turn or 1 - 1.5 turns?

Thanks!
 

Joe Reeves

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Re: Slow/high speed settings (Evinrude 3hp, 1968)

1-1/2 = 1.5

If I meant 0.5 turn, it would have simply said 1/2 turn.
 
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