Pilot screw on Carbs..... Elskipador?

Non motorcycle related... but it is HONDA related. Going to be working on my Honda 10 HP fourstroke 2 Cylinder outboard on the sailboat this weekend. In my reading preperation for the tune up... it discusses setting the idle by adjusting both the idle set screw (attached directly to the throttle linkage) and the pilot screw (a range of 1 3/4 - 2 1/4 turns out).

Now none of my three (yes three - I'm on info overload) shop manuals discusses which to first and what I supposed to be looking for when doing it. Instructions state adjust the pilot screw to reach max idle after operating temp is achieved and then adjust idle screw. Doesnt seem right...

Anybody want to share some light? Would Elskipador like to get paid for a tutorial in the SF Marina?

The theory with adjusting the pilot screw first is that you're adjusting the mixture to it's ideal point. I've usually heard it done as finding the max RPM and then backing off a hair (like 1/8 turn) to avoid a slightly lean condition. Then set your idle speed with the idle adjust screw.

not sure on the boat motors, but on bikes its pilot screw 1st, idle screw 2nd.

To get the max rpm with the pilot screw - do I have the idle screw set at the max while adjusting the pilot screw? If I have the idle screw set at the minimum and adjust the pilot screw for max rpm (and then backing out 1/8-1/4 turn) there is no way I will be able lower the rpms down to 1000 rpms with the idle screw alone.

Is that correct? Or more to the point, where should I have the idle screw set at while adjusting the pilot screw to allow me to lower the rpms after setting the pilot to max rpm (and backing off slightly).

You want to do whatever else tune-up wise first.
Then start the motor, and let it get to operating temp.
Don't mess with the idle speed 'til the end.
If you have a portable tachometer hook it up so you can watch it while you fiddle about. If not- is there one on the dash of the boat? You may be runing back and forth alot! You can get a cheapie portable at Kragen for under $20, BTW.
Note EXACTLY what RPM the motor is running at, and then start messing with the pilot screw.
First set it to whatever the book recommends- 2 1/2 turns out or whatever. Note RPM.
You're probably going to see a few hundred RPM change over the course of adjusting.
Turn it back in slightly, 1/4 turn at a time. Did engine speed increase or decrease? If it dropped, start turning the screw the other way (out) 1/4 turn at a time. You're going to find the max RPM you can get with the pilot screw. Eventually it will peak, and then start dropping again even though you're turning the screw in the same direction. Again, we're only talking about a few hundred RPM in all likelihood.
Get it back to that peak, and then back it down just a hair (turning screw in).
You now adjust the idle speed with the idle speed screw to whatever the book says.
That make sense to you?

Yep, That clears it up. Max RPM with the pilot screw and then adjust idle screw.


Thanks upwind point!

BTW - is that you in your avatar? Where is at? I'm down at Waddel creek occasionally windsurfing.... but dont have the balls to drop in a set like that.

I wish that was me! Ha! I don't have the stones for that either.
That would be Mr. Naish in Hawaii.