1982 OMC sail drive won't idle

4hand

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Jan 19, 2015
12
c&c 25 Lake Norman
I need some ideas. My '82 sail drive will not idle or run at low RPM's. It runs great at high RPM's but as soon as I slow down it dies. Will start in neutral but dies immediately. Will start in gear (forward or reverse) but throttle has to be engaged about one third speed. According to the mechanic everything that can be adjusted has been adjusted. He seems stumped. The motor has recently been apart to replace the impeller. Has anyone experienced this problem and know the fix?
 
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
I need some ideas. My '82 sail drive will not idle or run at low RPM's. It runs great at high RPM's but as soon as I slow down it dies. Will start in neutral but dies immediately. Will start in gear (forward or reverse) but throttle has to be engaged about one third speed. According to the mechanic everything that can be adjusted has been adjusted. He seems stumped. The motor has recently been apart to replace the impeller. Has anyone experienced this problem and know the fix?
you may need to disassemble the carb and clean it ...soak it in carb cleaner ...sounds like your low speed jet is clogged...or your idle stop screw is set too low
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,093
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
I agree.. another possible is a vacuum leak below the carburetor.. or in the pulse system that drives the fuel pump..

EDIT: I just uploaded a copy of the Zephyr owner's/ operator's manual to the site. At the top of page, go to "Boat Info" then in the drop-down, "Downloads General Info" then scroll down to "OMC Zephyr... "

EDIT 2: This web site has a repair/shop manual and parts info for the Zephyr..
http://impliedconsent.us/Documents.html
scroll down to "sail drive documentation" and you can download..
 
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caguy

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Sep 22, 2006
4,004
Catalina, Luger C-27, Adventure 30 Marina del Rey
I agree.. another possible is a vacuum leak below the carburetor.. or in the pulse system that drives the fuel pump..

EDIT: I just uploaded a copy of the Zephyr owner's/ operator's manual to the site. At the top of page, go to "Boat Info" then in the drop-down, "Downloads General Info" then scroll down to "OMC Zephyr... "

EDIT 2: This web site has a repair/shop manual and parts info for the Zephyr..
http://impliedconsent.us/Documents.html
scroll down to "sail drive documentation" and you can download..
Thanks kloudie that link was very valuable and helpful. I'm still hoping to rebuild my Zephyr some day.
 

4hand

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Jan 19, 2015
12
c&c 25 Lake Norman
anyone know if a very tight linkage may contribute to the idle problem? if so what is the adjustment? thanks
 

caguy

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Sep 22, 2006
4,004
Catalina, Luger C-27, Adventure 30 Marina del Rey
Not likely but you will want to fix that problem too before you are left stranded. Fouled idle jet is most likely culprit. If it were stalling when you shift it could be an issue but since it just won't run at idle not likely.
 

4hand

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Jan 19, 2015
12
c&c 25 Lake Norman
thanks for the suggestion. it makes sense. yes the linkage needs adjusting as well. I will check it out and let you know.