OMC 2.3 hard time idling but runs near perfect

[Grossevati]

89 Sunbird OMC 2.3 starts good runs fine all day. Problem is after you try to dock it or go idle speed it seems to load up and then it's hard to start and very rich. Never dose it except on the water any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Sounds like the carb oughta come off, 'n get rebuilt,.....

Could be just the float level, but yer there, so go through it,....

 

[Grossevati]

Thanks Bondo was also curious about the power valve. It doesn't do it all the time so of course makes diagnosing it a challenge. I built the carb last year when I got it had been sitting for awhile. Also I decreased the float level just to eleviate that but I guess it could also be sticking. Guess I'll do a vacuum check before I pull it and start from there. I believe you divide the vacuum reading in half to get the correct power valve numbers. Let you know how it turns out.

 

[bruceb58]

I take it you have adjusted the idle metering screw?

 

[Grossevati]

Yes Sir on and off the water. Checked everything on the lake at temp with a vacuum gauge. . Both screws will change rpm so I know there working.

 

[Grossevati]

Sorry guys wiring problem decided to show up that needs attention first. Guess that's why there called a hole in the water.

 

[bezerk1]

I was experiencing the same issues with my vessel. I did a carb rebuild and it never ran better. I'm gonna assume you have a Rochester 2G. I watched a video on youtube from Mikes Carburetor and then ordered the kit off of him. It worked out perfect. I realized an important lesson. Carbs on boats need to be rebuilt from sitting, not from running. I've been around engines my entire life and I have only seen one carb that had more dirt and crud in it. Between the carb rebuild and an upgrade from points to Pertronix electronic ignition my 2.3 will idle at 700 RPM's all day. There is no hesitation when I go full throttle off of idle. I can pull it back into idle and it settles down nice and smooth. Hope this helps.

 

[nedc]

I had the same problem...float was too high. Adjusted it and idles great now.

 

[Grossevati]

Awesome guys thanks for the advice. Mine has the Holley on it. Got the melted fuse holders replaced new lead from the alternator to solenoid. Charging perfect. Now to pull the carb and rebuild. Let you know how it turns out.