Rich and Lean control knob?

josh6780

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
169
I don't know much out outboards. But what is this for. I don't know how to adjust this right. Like if its at idle it has to be one way and it its at high idle it has to be the other way. What is this and how do I adjust it?
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Rich and Lean control knob?

It would have helped if we knew what engine you're speaking of. However, depending on what type carburetor your engine has.....<br /><br />The top needle valve is the slow speed/idle adjustment. The bottom needle valve (if present) is the high speed.<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.<br /> <br />Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S 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.<br /> <br />Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting. <br /> <br />Note: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustment, 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.<br />-------------------------------------------------- <br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs) <br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />(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. <br /><br />(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. <br /><br />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.
 

josh6780

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Messages
169
Re: Rich and Lean control knob?

well I only have one rich or lean knob to turn. So do I just have to keep adjusting that? It's and old envinrude 25 hp
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Rich and Lean control knob?

josh post the model #. should be on a plate.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Rich and Lean control knob?

Re-read my reply, the first carburetor mentioned.
 

Kev

Seaman
Joined
May 15, 2005
Messages
61
Re: Rich and Lean control knob?

Josh,<br /><br />Joe is saying your motor only has a low-speed carb adjustment. The high-speed orifice is fixed--meaning there is no high speed carb adjustment.<br /><br />Follow Joe's excellent instructions for "Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve" above.<br /><br />Once you've adjusted your rich-lean knob properly, you won't have to touch it again unless your carb becomes fouled or maybe if you run the motor at a substantially different altitude.<br /><br />Good luck,<br />Kev
 
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