1987 O'Day 272LE idle speed

[Chuck Powell]

My 1987 Westerbeke 10-2 diesel is running at a hot idle speed of 1300 rpm. I don't think this normal.
What should the hot idle speed be and how do I adjust the rpms?

 

[Jim 5757]

Our M3-20 idles nicely at 800rpm. 1300 seems a bit much, but you're gonna have to get info from the mfr as to their recommended idle rpm. As for how to adjust, you should find a stop screw on the throttle assy (look at where the throttle cable is fastened). I think you might try backing off on the stop screw to where you're just idling reliably. Worst thing that can happen is the engine will stall if you go too far. Check at toadmarinesupply.com for diagrams and other info...

 

[Chuck Powell]

Thanks Jim and Barb,
I'll look at the site.

 

[odaydokay]

On my Universal M-12, I had to set the idle up a tad to keep it from stalling, especially under load, even after refirbing the injectors, so you may have to experiment a bit. (I have no tach so cannot tell you my revs.) Be sure to check the setting when cold and warm and hotter, say after a long run. When hot, mine would stall sometimes going in to neutral and if I was near the dock I would have to scramble to get it started and get into reverse to avoid a "crunch". Better you set it a little too high than a little too low in my view.