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poor low idle

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 6:02 am
by Olustee bus
I have searched a great deal but have not found the info I need. This 40 hp tracker by mercury 2 cycle will not idle. because of unexpected problems, this boat has sat for about 6 months or maybe more with little if any use. It had gas in it (nonethanol) but did have stabil in it. I put about a half tank of new non ethanol with about a half bottle with seafoam.

runs good except for low idle and it makes docking in my boat shed dang scary.

I am going to add the rest of the seafoam. Hopefully that will not hurt it.

Not sure where the fuel filter is but I think it is an inline and I know what it looks like, I will replace it.

The bulb seems good as it is firm and runs good at speed.

Before I spend $300 or so on a carb rebuild, I would like some ideas.

Is there a way to spray carb cleaner in the low idle jets and if so, how can I find them.

I need easy fixes before I take it out of the water and to a shop

Thanks for any suggestions.

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 6:33 am
by RcgTexas
If it has carbs, that probably is your problem, but I'm no mechanic, and not familiar with that motor. Hope someone can help you.

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 6:11 am
by Olustee bus
seafoam makes a spray to be sprayed into a throttle body. I wonder if spraying in carb mmight clean low idle needle

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 3:31 pm
by Sjp1311
Try Quicksilver or Mercury Quikleen. Drain the carb bowls, fill them with with QK. Put the screw back in. Let it sit for 30 mins or so. Fire it up and then run the snot out of it. If possible overtreat the fuel with Seafoam and Lucas fuel injector cleaner. It should smooth it out and break up the varnish in there.

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2015 5:14 am
by Olustee bus
Thanks. Could I just pour the cleaner down the fuel lines (after draining the bowls). I am reluctant to mess with the carbs.

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2015 7:59 pm
by Sjp1311
It is in an aerosol can with a tip extension like wd40.

It is a pain, but worth it.

I gues you could try the spray seafoam and possibly get similar results, meaning spraying thru intake. Just be sure to let it sit and let the cleaners do their job.

Re: poor low idle

Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2015 7:59 pm
by Sjp1311
It is in an aerosol can with a tip extension like wd40.

It is a pain, but worth it.

I gues you could try the spray seafoam and possibly get similar results, meaning spraying thru intake. Just be sure to let it sit and let the cleaners do their job.