Jay127 wrote:
LouC wrote:
Which engine and carb do you have?
Sounds like the carb needs to at least set up (idle mixture, idle speed, replace fuel filter) if not re-built. What color were the spark plug insulators near the center electrode?
It's 4.3 omc 2 barrel carb sorry don't know brand. It doe seem to idle low. I'll replace fuel filter. What rpms shoul I be at idle?
Boat is a 95? I know the 2bbl on the '88s like mine was a Rochester 2bbl but some of the later ones used Holleys. In any case you have to look up the specs, but mine is supposed to idle between 500-600 rpm in the water in foward gear. The engine has to be in good tune for it to run that slow without stalling. Mine is a dog clutch Cobra (I bet you have the Volvo style cone clutch) and with the dog clutch it shifts much better if the idle is as low as possible. I get out my timing light and engine meter.
First I check the points/condenser (dwell) and timing (you don't have points so just the timing).
Then I set the base idle speed.
Next Idle mixture.
I adjust each needle carefully watching the tach. Screw it in SLOWLY till the engine starts to slow down (lean roll point). Then unscrew it SLOWLY, it will speed up, then slow down again (rich roll point) the proper setting is between these 2 points. I set mine toward the rich side.
Other things that can cause stalling at idle--vaccum leaks under the carb gasket ,sometimes you can hear it (sounds like a whistling sound) that can make it run lean and stall. The fix is a new carb to manifold gasket.