Engine runs great but keeps dying at idle.

The problem I am having is no matter when I start the engine (warm or cold) I have to have the throttle at 1/2 - 3/4 to start the motor then I kick it down to idle it idles great until I go somewhere. If I run at 3/4 to full throttle it runs great but when I go to stop I put it back at idle it will die out and will not re-start until I give it 1/2 - 3/4 throttle. Once it starts it will idle all day again (until I go somewhere at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle). I have had the motor to the shop and they can't find a problem with it (on the ear muffs). I changed the plugs in the motor and it actually starts harder now with the new plugs than with the old plugs. It is a 1984 evinrude 115Hp. Any help would be greatly apperciated. Thanks.

Re: Engine runs great but keeps dying at idle.

Sorry, I meant to say 1994 Evinrude, my fingers typed to fast.

Re: Engine runs great but keeps dying at idle.

have you tried pumping the bulb or hitting the choke/primer when it starts this. if that helps it;s carb/fuel problem, if not do the following. ok lets start at the beginning. test for spark on all plugs. should be blue and pump 1/2 to 7/16 of and inch. then beg, borrow, rent or buy a compression gauge. remove all the plugs, throttle to wide open, of course screw in guage, turn engine over about 4 times and register readings for each cylinder. these must be with in 10% of each other. no we know the general heath of the engine mechanics. post your results so we can determin ewher to go next. this is called trouble shooting.

Re: Engine runs great but keeps dying at idle.

Great, I'll do everything over tonight and tomorrow and post the results for you.

Re: Engine runs great but keeps dying at idle.

Sounds like you may have an idle stop adjustment or carb linkage problem. If it idles well under one set of circumstances and not under others, that's where I would start. If the engine runs great at WOT throttle I doubt ignition or compression are issues. Throttle movement seems to be the factor so look at the linkage while someone runs the throttle (engine not running). See if the throttle linkage always returns to "exactly" the same position. If not, something is out of adjustment or worn. Idle mixture thats a little lean can also produce the symptom you describe.