Re: 1969 25hp Evinrude Low Speed carb and flywheel torque

[Don]

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/johns … etor+Group
#28 is the plastic needle valve cup/seal. #29 is the friction washer that keeps the needle from spinning freely.
These carbs had not fiber washers and collar nut on the needle valve, these items for two functions. First, the fiber washers formed a seal that keeped outside air from being sucked into the low speed circuit through the needle threads. Secondly, tightening the collar nut jammed the fiber washers against the needle valve so it won’t just spin freely.
I have wondered why the original design changed, and just asssssumed it was a cost savings. But, I have had a change of attitude, remembering that the original 55hp 3cyl models shared this carb body, and all that crazy linkage linking the needles together so all three needles could be turned together using that adjustment knob on the lower motor pan. You would never be able to turn the needles together if all three carbs had the old style fiber washers and collar nuts.
So, you want to make sure #28 is in place, or the engine will run lean at low speeds….