'77 4hp "dead spot"?

jim1648

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Nov 13, 2010
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I have been trying to tune my low and high idle speed mixture screws with the info I have found on this forum. I think I have it pretty close , but I have what I would call a "dead spot" when throttling up quickly from idle. It's like it want's to stumble real bad and sometimes die.. Am I to lean on the idle mixture and it doesn't have enough fuel to make the transition? Also, is 50-1 the correct mix I should be using? Thanks, Jim
 

oldcatamount

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Apr 4, 2010
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Re: '77 4hp "dead spot"?

That's more than likely a timing issue and not a fuel delivery issue. First, make sure you have the correct plugs and that they are gapped right. Then you should do a synch and link adustment where you get your throttle cam roller lined up with the timing mark at the exact same time as the throttle plate starts to open when you advance the throttle.
 

Rick.

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Jul 30, 2006
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3,740
Re: '77 4hp "dead spot"?

That's more than likely a timing issue and not a fuel delivery issue. First, make sure you have the correct plugs and that they are gapped right. Then you should do a synch and link adustment where you get your throttle cam roller lined up with the timing mark at the exact same time as the throttle plate starts to open when you advance the throttle.

I would agree with above. If it has points and I'm not certain a 77 does, make sure they are cleaned well and gapped to .020 as well. Plugs at .030 Best of luck. Rick.
 

jim1648

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Re: '77 4hp "dead spot"?

Then you should do a synch and link adustment where you get your throttle cam roller lined up with the timing mark at the exact same time as the throttle plate starts to open when you advance the throttle.

I am a pretty mechanical inclined guy, but does that basically mean take it to the shop? :D I hate to ask , but could you try and explain that one?
 

oldcatamount

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Re: '77 4hp "dead spot"?

On the top side of the carb and under the flywheel is the throttle cam. Twist the throttle handle toward "fast" and you'll see it move from right to left (low speed to high speed). There is a small roller that follows that cam. The roller is attached to the carb linkage. On the right (slow speed) side of the cam, are two little "hash" marks, (could even be only one hash mark). As you turn the throttle handle toward "fast", watch the roller, as it reaches those hash marks, the throttle plate(inside the carb) should just barely begin to open. You'll need to watch the end of the throttle plate shaft on the left side of the carb to see when it barely starts to move. I made a "special tool" for this out of an alligator clip and a short piece of wire. Attach the clip to the end of the shaft and this will magnify the throttle plates movement and be easier to see. If the throttle plate doesn't move at the same time the roller reaches those hash marks, you'll need to adjust the linkage so it does. Don't "bend" anything to make it work. Just position the roller on the marks and hold it there while you make the adjustments. I can't explain to you how your particular linkage is arranged so, you'll need to look at that yourself. At least now, you have the basic principal of a "link and synch" adjustment. This is critical for good performance and once you understand the procedure you'll see how easy it really is. Keep us posted.
 

jim1648

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Re: '77 4hp "dead spot"?

Thanks alot for going through the trouble to type that all out! I'll be able to get to the motor Sunday or Monday at the latest. I'll be sure to post the results. Thanks again, Jim
 
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