[THEFERMANATOR]

Here is a basic rundown of the adjustments on an early JOHNNY-RUDE looer(85-87, 88 changed styles). You firts start by loosening the 2 screws on the carbs(carb ramp and sync). Then you adjust the idle stop screw on the main linkage so that the line on the ramp points at the middle of the roller on the carb arm(see pics for red arrows). Tighten the lock-nut on the idle stop screw. Then push the carb arm lightly against the carb pick-up ramp and tighten the screw on the carb arm. The roller should be snug against the ramp, but not opening the butterfly's at all on the carbs( the roller should be able to turn still without much resistence) If there are any flat spots on the roller, replace it. Then you put slight tension on the carb sync arm and tighten the screw on it. You want it so that when the carbs open, the 2 shafts move at the same time(it can take a little practice to get this adjustment down). Then you want to open the throttle to WOT. Set the WOT stop screw so that the WOT reference marks on the carb pickup arm point's staright forward. Lock the screw down on the linkage arm. Link and sync is done now.

Now you need it in the water to do the rest, a helper is strongly advised(actaully just about required). And a timing light is required at this point. Put it in the water and bring it up to temp(small-bore loopers react to engine temp fairly drastically). Connect your timing light, and put it in gear(you can try this adjustment with it on the trailer still, to hold it still. But your not guaranteed to get the RPM's up enough. You need to set your total timing to 18 degrees BTDC @ 5000 RPM's, the CDI box will advance the timing with RPM's and total timing specs are for 5000 RPM's. One turn out on the screw will advance the timing 1 degree, and one turn in retards 1 degree. Lock the jamb-nut down tightly once you have 18, verify adjustment with lock-nut tightened. Now bring it back to idle and set your idle speed to around 650 in gear. you turn the idle screw in to lower it, and out to raise it. the lock-nut on the idle speed set screw likes to come loose easily.

Now your done, engine set. the basic tools you will need for this job are a 1/4" blade flat head screw-driver, timing light, 7/16" wrench and a 7/16" deep well socket with a 6" extension.