adjusting idle rpm

[pete44]

Hello. Have an 87 Searay with 3.0L 181 ci with alpha 1 drive..had transom redone and engine was out and back in.. trying to lower my idle (in gear) rpm from 900 to 650 to 700 recommended rpm ..tried adjusting throttle cable adjustment screw..got it down to 900 rpm (in forward gear)..there is another screw on port side of carb (at throat)..I didnt see any other screws to adjust on carb...I looked at mercruiser manual and it states "once engine warms up bring back to idle speed..shift into forward gear (idle position)...disconnect throttle cable brass barrel(spacer)from anchor stud...I can do this on my drive way with muffs but is it necessary to remove throttle cable spacer??? and would it be better to do this while in water..(with a water load..so to speak)??? Also,could I adjust this without drive engaged???...sorry so long...Thanks,Pete44

 

[jaybirdtx]

Re: adjusting idle rpm

Sorry, like they say, the engine needs to be under a load in fwd. to properly adjust the idle. Unless someone in your area has a dyno. @ there shop.

 

[Don S]

Re: adjusting idle rpm

First of all, disconnect the cable from the carb and run the engine (on muffs will be ok) and adjust the idle speed adjustment screw on the carburator itself untill the idle speed is around 750 rpm. THEN adjust the cable to fit the carb linkage per your manual. Next time you go to the water you can fine tune the idlespeed if necessary.

 

[pete44]

Re: adjusting idle rpm

Thanks all...I'll give that a try..Pete