65hp mercury stalls when idle down

[dontknowjack23]

hi i just bought a 1977 anchor boat with a 65hp mercury outboard.The first time I took it out today it started good but when i tried to bring the idle down so it wasnt high idle(again first time operating a boat so might not sound like i know what im talkin about) the motor would die. when i looked at the engine it looks like i have a fuel leak somewhere but cant find it. I replaced the primer bulb before going out because it had a split in it because before I bought this boat it had sat for i think probably a acouple years. does anyone have any idea of what could be wrong? i dont have time to take it to the only boat shop in town but i really want to get out and have some fun.(i work same hours as boat shop) PLEASE HELP! Thanks I was sooo excited to go ripping around with wife and son and didnt get more than 40 ft out and had to come back

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 65hp mercury stalls when idle down

Idle speed too low or carb low speed adjustments too lean. Idle around 675 in the water in F gear and no throttle advancement. Backing out the low speed set screw a little at a time till it quits. If it will take the throttle adequately for your hole shot it may just be low idle speed. If not then tweak your carbs.

Mark