Slow speed idle setting

Brt123

Recruit
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Messages
3
I'm working on a 1985 Johnson 8 horsepower. Can someone advise me please of the slow speed idle setting. I have two different manuals and I have two different settings one says I'm turning a half out the other says two and a half turns out. Thank everyone in advance that responds to this for your fruit bible time is greatly appreciated!!

Sgt Brandon Tull
Retired/Disabled
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 20, 2008
Messages
12,345
For the fuel/air mixture screw 2.5 turns out from lightly seated in sounds proper to me, try it out with engine sufficiently warmed up on water, not muffs though. Adjust the slow idle rpm screw if needed for engine not to die when geared forward.

Happy Boating
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,311
The -----" book setting "----Will get the motor started and keep running.-------It is up to the operator to make final adjustment in the water!
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S 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 (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

Note 1: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.

Note 2: If the engine should be a three (3) cylinder engine with three (3) carburetors, start the adjustment sequence with the center carburetor.

When you have finished the above adjustment, 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.
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,612
The initial setting for the '89/'90 models is 2 1/2 turns open from lightly seated, so that is probably yours as well. That's to get you started, and you adjust slightly richer or leaner from there. Idling in the lake or in a barrel, I adjust them as lean as I can with no stalling at low idle or shifting. (You need some back pressure to fine tune.)
 
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