Making progress on resurrecting my motor - need some advice

[hokiepoq]

This is in reference to my 1988 115 in-line Mercury that was partially submerged several weeks ago. I've cleaned out the carbs reasonably well, rebuilt the fuel pump, and replaced the on-engine fuel filter. I've got it so it will run as high-idle for a long time. Idle I have to mess with because I changed the idle/mixture pins while cleaning the carbs and they probably need some tuning. Anyway, when I run as high idle, the throat of the bottom of the three carbs "leaks" out the front. Just drips while it's running. The other two carbs don't leak like this. Any suggestions? Also, any tricks to tuning the idle mixture needles?

Thanks for any advice. This has really been a learning experience.

 

[MaleficentArmy]

Re: Making progress on resurrecting my motor - need some advice

this is what i found, and its always worked good for me!

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 va /lve 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, wating 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.