Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 20:47:52 -0800, -rick- wrote:

There was a little metal cap epoxied over the idle mixture screw on my
Honda that the shop had no trouble removing with a bit of heat.
Apparently Big Brother hadn't gotten to them yet.


The Merc had a brass cap screwed in, which would have to be drilled out.
They weren't willing to do that.

Have they determined that your choke is working right?


Funny thing is, the one mech at one dealer looked at it and determined
that the screw that's supposed to pick up the idle RPM when you pull out
the choke wasn't even touching anything. However, they didn't even change
THAT. (They did manage to hit the trim-tab so now it pulls HARD to stbd -
I lost my grip on the tiller and the boat turned so fast I almost fell
out!)

Is the idle speed correct?

Yes. They did mention that the prop was too steep and that would
contribute to the vibration, but they didn't change it.

That's got to be frustrating to get service like that. Some follow the
philosophy that it's better to go to an authorized dealer for service so
"you know the work is done properly" but after such poor results I would
re-think that.

I recently read an interesting book that covered that issue and much
more, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig.
It's quite a good read.

As for your motor, I couldn't accept that they're not allowed to adjust
the idle mixture if it's not right. Would they rather replace the carb
under warrantee? If all else fails perhaps you could find a shade-tree
mechanic who is more competent and agreeable. I'd at least take a good
long look at that choke linkage.

Blaming idle vibration on your prop pitch doesn't make much sense
either. Doesn't it vibrate in neutral?

good luck,
-rick-