Just fired up the 2001 225 Opti on the muffs since we have a nice warm day here. She fired right up, after resting for the last few months, but I noticed a little bit of loping while she idled. Nothing severe, but just want to make sure this is normal for the Opti. Seemed to lope on a 1-3 second cycle. Water pressure on the muffs was 1.5.
Azure AZ200 (with stuff like cupholders, bathroom and table)
Extremely cold temperatures (including VERY cold water temps) can contribute to a "lopey" (or rich and fat) operation at idle speed.
You may find that this smooths out within 2-4 minutes (as the engine begins to come up to temperature).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
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Water temp at the smartcraft monitor started at 66 and worked up to 100. I idled her for about 8 minutes and did not see a huge change in the loping. Was idling at 580-600 RPM
Azure AZ200 (with stuff like cupholders, bathroom and table)
You may also want to have your thermostats checked.
That engine SHOULD be reaching 120 degrees within 5 minutes of starting (or very close to that temp).
Cold operation results in RICH operation.... which can lead to spark plug fouling (and other problems).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
OK your post made me a little nervous, so I went out and re-tested. Water temp started at 80 and slowly climbed to 123 within 4 minutes, then reduced to 116. Rose again to 123 and then dropped to 116. Seemed to want to hover in the range, so I guess I'm good
Modified by vatreefarmer at 10:30 AM 12/31/2010
Azure AZ200 (with stuff like cupholders, bathroom and table)
Sounds like your stats are working fine Greg.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by vatreefarmer »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">OK your post made me a little nervous, so I went out and re-tested. Water temp started at 80 and slowly climbed to 123 within 4 minutes, then reduced to 116. Rose again to 123 and then dropped to 116. Seemed to want to hover in the range, so I guess I'm good.</td></tr></table>
That's more like it.
What's the condition of your spark plugs (clean, fouled, etc)? How long since last replacement?
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Sherm replaced them last Spring when he gave it the checkup before I bought it. I haven't taken a look at them, although they've only got about 8 hours on them
Azure AZ200 (with stuff like cupholders, bathroom and table)
Make sure to double check link and synch set-up. The throttle roller should have about .020 clearance between it and the cam. If there isn't enough clearance, the TPS can cause an "uneven" idle........due to slight voltage inputs....:)
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by redline »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Make sure to double check link and synch set-up. The throttle roller should have about .020 clearance between it and the cam. If there isn't enough clearance, the TPS can cause an "uneven" idle........due to slight voltage inputs....:)</td></tr></table>
Since this isn't something that should be "user adjusted".... a good means of checking this is to have the throttle at the IDLE position (roller should be centered in the "U" shaped portion of the cam).
Ensure that the roller can still spin "freely" without running the cam, or dragging. If adjustment in this area is required, I highly recommend that you see your local authorized dealer (other adjustments may also be necessary).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
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