Dies when you shift into gear!!!!!

[RAZC60]

I have a 1988 60 hp Mariner and once its been running for a couple of minutes it will die when you shift into gear. If you start it cold it'll run fine, but it will die if you idle when its hot. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Dies when you shift into gear!!!!!

could the low speed jets be dirty?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Dies when you shift into gear!!!!!

Dies while idling - in neutral?
Or just dies when you shift - won't run in gear at all?
Is it a good smooth idle or does it sound rough like it's misfiring?
Fouled carbs - a likely suspect.

Start with the basics, easier than carb rebuilding and rule out some other causes:
Compression test.
Spark test.
Cylinder drop test.
Age and condition of the spark plugs?
Fresh fuel?
Does the fuel line hold pressure?
Does it help to pump the primer bulb while it idles?
See if you can keep it from dying by spraying some oil/gas premix from a spray bottle into the carb throats. Don't use carb cleaner or starting fluid.
Does this model have an overtemmp warning horn and if so, have you tested it?

 

[RAZC60]

Re: Dies when you shift into gear!!!!!

If you start it cold and shift fast it doesnt die but once engine is warm it will die when you shift into gear or try to idle. When engine is cool it will idle fine.
New Spark Plugs and checked spark
Fresh Fuel
Fuel Line holds Pressure

On the previous trip before it acted up the overheat light did come on, however it seems to be peeing fine and it doesnt have a thermostat so I don't see why it would overheat but it seems that way

 

[jtexas]

Re: Dies when you shift into gear!!!!!

Either the overtemp light or the temp sensor malfunctioned, or your engine overheated.
I can think of a few causes:
1. Cylinder starved for fuel - no gasoline = no oil.
2. Blockage in the water jacket - pee stream indicates only that the water pump is pumping, doesn't guarantee that water is getting to all parts of the engine.
3. Inadequate water pressure.
4. Sticky rings due to carbon build-up.

Personally, I wouldn't run it again until I had checked the compression and inspected the water pump.

Compression checks out I'd rebuild the carbs.