Hi K Smith;

Perhaps one of the best instructions I have seen.

I have an issue with my 1998 40 hp Evinrude
It will not idle.
Or more accuratly, it will not idle in the drink, out of the water with earmuffs its ok (rough, but ok) in the drink its no go.
It idles at about 500 rpm out of the water, but in the water about 400 rpm and stalls.

I have checked the timing at idle, its TDC or even retarded.
Spark is good, both cylinders and it starts every time.
Runs reasonably well, but seems a little flat.

History.
Second hand.
Owner stated that he replaced the cd unit recently (have reciepts)
At first it would idle rough, and accelerate with a rough acceleration at first.
Top end was ok.

Now it will not idle.
I have checked the linkages, the cam follower on the carby was 1/4' away from the cam and the adjustment screw was loose. Im assuming it has moved as the manual states it should be touching.
Even when adjusted it makes no difference.
I have fiddled, but nothing has been changed greatly, the only way I can get it to idle is to make the cam follower touch the cam a bit, opening the butterflies an almost imperceptable amount.
It idles at 750-800 rpm in water and about 1000-1100 with the earmuffs, a little too fast for my liking for flushing.

Im mainly concerned about the timing at idle, TDC or retarded just dont seem right.

In your obviously expert opinion, should I try to advance the timing to a reasonable 4 deg BTDC?
I have adjustment for idle timing and WOT timing, but no idle speed adjustment.

please help as Im not wealthy at the moment and the little missus is getting peeved that I bought a bomb.