Tohatsu 3.5 won't idle

[Kit Ryan]

Tohatsu 3.5 worked perfectly until it flooded in brackish water during a hurricane last fall. Despite complete disassembly and carb cleaning (3 times), it won't idle except with choke, but runs fine at full speed. I can't find any low speed circuit on this carb or any tiny holes, either. I didn't soak it for hours on end like you recommend to others. Is that my problem?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Tohatsu 3.5 won't idle

Sure sounds like it is starving in the idle circuit.Be sure the float is adjusted right.With carb inverted the distance from the bowl gasket to the base of the float arm pad is .090 , 2.3 mm.and is adjusted by bending the float arm pads evenly.The clip on the jet needle should be in the middle grove.A higher groove leans the mid range mix and a lower groove will richen the mixture.The 3 hp should idle at 1,100 to 1,300 rpm.

 

[Kit Ryan]

Re: Tohatsu 3.5 won't idle

Sure sounds like it is starving in the idle circuit.Be sure the float is adjusted right.With carb inverted the distance from the bowl gasket to the base of the float arm pad is .090 , 2.3 mm.and is adjusted by bending the float arm pads evenly.The clip on the jet needle should be in the middle grove.A higher groove leans the mid range mix and a lower groove will richen the mixture.The 3 hp should idle at 1,100 to 1,300 rpm.

 

[Kit Ryan]

Re: Tohatsu 3.5 won't idle

Dear Steelespike,
I checked those items out and they were just fine. However, you insipired me to take the carb apart one more time and clean it again (about the 4th time). This time it worked like a charm. The engine idles and runs fine now. Not sure what did it, but thanks for the encouragement!

Kit

This site sure is weird. I can't figure out how to close out this answer.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Tohatsu 3.5 won't idle

Glad all is well.Allways nice to here about a success.