Adjusting Idle? ('84 SN 2001)

[ryanbolson]

My 84 Nautique 2001 seems to be idling a little bit low. This causes the engine to sometimes stall when I take it out of gear (into neutral) and more often than not causes the engine to stall when I have to "gently"put the boat in reverse (more so when the boat has forward momentum).

I am assuming that if I could crank up the idle a bit, this would alleviate the problem. It really isn't a big deal until I am trying to dock the boat or put it back on the trailer (this is when you need it to go into reverse without stalling).

- Do you think Adjusting the idle help?

ALSO, I too am having a difficult time finding the neutral point in which the boat will allow the starter to engage. I would like to be able to start be boat with the NEUTRAL SAFETY BUTTON OUT (ie Neutral), however it Rarely, if ever, turns over that way. I usually have to have the Safety Button in and then ever so slightly wiggle the throttle to find the "Sweet Spot" in which the boat to start. Again, not a big deal, but it would be nice to have it work properly. Especially when I have someone else drive the boat that is not familiar with my '84s Eccentricities.

Your thoughts and suggests on both topics are much appreciated!!!

Ryan

[Rick]

Check the idle switch on the tranny It sounds likeit is not engaging when you are in neuutral. Also check the play in the shift cable. As far as Idle goes If you have the holley carb it is really easy to adjust. A handheld Tach helps but you can use the one on the dash. The idle should be around 700RPM no lower than 600 when in gear. Start the engine and warm it up then find the idle adjustment screws on either side of the float bowl on the front of the carb. It looks like a small set screw on the side and there are 2, one on each side. With the engine running start turniing the screw clockwise until you hear the engine stumble. then open it 1/4 turn counterclockwise. repeat this on both siodes and see where your idle is. If its below 700 now raise it by turning the idle linkage screw colckwise until your at 700. then repeat the idle adjustment. Good luck

[ryanbolson]

Idol Switch

Rick,

I just wanted to make sure I understand what you are saying on the Idol Switch on the Transmission... Is that what you think is causing the boat not to start. Is that switch replaceable? Or does it just need to be adjusted? Is the switch located where the Throttle cable attaches to the Transmission?

I am guessing that if this idol switch is not engaged, it will not allow the starter to turn over, right?

[Rick]

Right The Idle switch is on the transmission. If the linkage is loose that can make it not center in the switch. Itr is replaceable but I would not think it bad because the starter works eventually. I beleive its an adjustment problem with the shift cable.

[ryanbolson]

Rick,

Would you suggest replacing the cable or adjusting it?
I do have to pull back pretty far on the throttle before the transmission clicks into reverse. I inspected the cable... it seems like the cable is fairly new and in good condition (visually).
What is involved with adjusting the cable?
Can you walk me through the steps?

Thanks again for your asssitance. I really appreciate it.

Ryan

[Rick]

Ryan Where are you located. I can but it would be easier by phone.

[FUN-9C1]

I have the same starting problem and will have to look at the linkage there to see if it's loose. In the meantime, this is how I start mine when it doesn't start on the first try:

Push the button back in, jiggle the throttle back and forth fast. Only like 1" back and forth but like 5 times in a second. Now pull the button back out and like 99 times out of 100 it will start, at least on mine.