[broncos69]

I have a 2000 mercury 50 hp 2 stroke outboard motor that is hard to start and will stall out while I am trolling and in idle. Also sometimes when I set my throttle it will take time to acheive correct speed. I have replaced spark plugs and had carburetor adjusted, with no luck. Does anyone know what the problem could be? frustrated fisherman!

[CharlieB]

You need to test spark quality to help determine if you have an ignition problem or a fuel problem.

2000 is not an old engine, I would verify a hot bright blue spark on both cylinders, once that's done you can then clean the carb or have it done.