1974 Evinrude 25hp idle problems

[Chaos421]

I'm trying to get a 1974 Evinrude outboard running. Model 25402M. I've cleaned the carb twice, replaced the gaskets and the needle and jet. It runs fine at top speeds, but slow down and it pops and dies. Is it the fuel pump? The screen was pretty cleaned and I cleaned it. Had some old fuel/oil in the tank but I've swapped that out for premium non

Link to my YouTube video of the motor running.

Thanks in advance,
Keith

[Solarman]

Set the idle air mix at recommended setting (about 1.5 turns from lightly seated closed). If tightened too tight, can damage needle, or seat.
If open too far more air mix causing lean burn, if closed too much, causes rich burn.
Check for possible arcing around plugs and wires.
Check color of plugs to see if running lean, or rich, adjust mixture accordingly.

Good luck

[Chaos421]

Thanks solarman.

The spark plugs are new. I tried lots of settings on the needle but none affected the idle sputtering. I've read there is a timing plate that sometimes gets off from wear, could that be it?

Thanks,
Keith

[Solarman]

Timing is always a possibility, but check timing before changing anything.
Also, if not getting any difference in running when you adjust needle/ mixture screw, it is possible you may have a blockage in that low speed idle p***age. I would check that before messing with timing.

Good luck.

[Chaos421]

Any pointers on how to test the timing?

Thanks,
Keith

[Chaos421]

I found some problems in the timing, and ended up replacing the points, ignition coils, and condensers. Now I'm still having idle problems. I think it might be related to the reed leaf. One of the petals has a gap and several are slightly raised off the plate surface. Any idea where to order replacement leafs? Anyone had this problem before?

Thanks,
Keith

[Solarman]

Your best bet is look up the part #'s, then google those you want to replace.

It still sounds more like something is blocking the low speed mixture p***age?

Good luck.

[Chaos421]

Solarman,

I don't think it's the carb slow p***age. I've cleaned that sucker out 3 times
With air and carb cleaner. I've searched everywhere and they don't seem to sell the leaf for these any more. Ugh.

Keith