Idle Speed & Mixture Optimization
Smooth Shifting.
Perfect Purr.
Eliminate rough idling, stalling at the dock, and harsh gear engagements. We precisely calibrate your carburetor's idle speed and air/fuel mixture screws using sensitive vacuum gauges for a flawless, steady RPM.
Vacuum Gauge Tuning
We don't tune by ear alone. We use high-precision marine vacuum gauges to balance the idle mixture screws, finding the exact stoichiometric sweet spot that maximizes engine manifold vacuum for an ultra-smooth idle.
Shift-Load Compensation
A boat's idle drops dramatically when shifted into gear due to water resistance on the prop. We optimize the base idle and dashpot settings so your engine doesn't stall when maneuvering around tight marina docks.
Progression Circuit Sync
A perfectly smooth idle means nothing if the boat stumbles when you hit the throttle. We synchronize the off-idle transfer slots to ensure a seamless, hesitation-free transition from idle to acceleration.
The Tuning Protocol.
Data-driven adjustments.
Baseline & Warm-Up
An engine cannot be tuned cold. We run the boat up to full operating temperature, ensuring the choke is completely open and the fast-idle cam is disengaged before touching any screws.
Timing Verification
Carburetor adjustments are useless if the ignition timing is off. We verify the base timing with a strobe light to ensure the spark is firing at the exact optimal degree before top dead center.
Mixture Balancing
With a vacuum gauge connected to the intake manifold, we slowly adjust the port and starboard idle mixture screws, seeking the highest, steadiest vacuum reading achievable.
In-Gear RPM Set
The final and most critical step. We drop the boat into forward gear (under load in the water) and set the final idle speed screw to ensure the engine idles confidently without stalling or "clunking" the outdrive.
System Components.
Precision calibration tools.
Technical Specs.
Calibration standards.
Common Questions
Why does my boat die when I shift into gear?
Usually, the idle speed is set too low or the mixture is too lean. When the propeller bites into the water, it puts a sudden load on the engine. If the idle isn't optimized for that load, the engine stalls instantly.
Why does it smell like raw gas at idle?
Your idle mixture screws are likely backed out too far, creating an overly "rich" condition. This not only wastes expensive fuel and creates noxious fumes, but it will eventually foul your spark plugs.
| Manufacturer | Breeze Marine Boat Service |
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