I have a 2013 Mudbuddy Vanguard 23 HD. I recently adjusted the valve lash, and changed out the spark plugs myself as I figured I better learn to do it owning a surface drive motor.

Prior to doing this maintenance, I was idling under load (in water) at around 1100 rpm, and maxing out at around 3800 rpm. Now I'm idling between 800-900 rpm under load, and maxing out at around 3800 rpm. The engine bogged out a couple times when I put it into gear, under load.

Out of water I'm maxing out at 4000ish, idle is between 1100-1300.

Am I where I should be with adjusted valve lash, or did I do something I shouldn't have?

Also, do most hand tighten their spark plugs and then give 1/2 - 2/3 turn with socket, or do you use a torque wrench? The specs for this motor states 180 in lbs.....just seems kind of tight to me and I am afraid to break a plug off.

Regards,

The idle speed could just need to be touched up at carb. From the sound of things I would triple check your valve adj. set to .004-.005. Valve adjustments can be tricky, read up on it.You could also have a plug not gapped correctly. As for the spark plug torque. Put a little anti size on it and just snug it up.

Unless I'm doing something completely wrong, I'm sure both are set at .005. Pm sent