Need Help
 

I have a 1985 140 hp. I think I might be having a carb issue. I hooked up a fresh tank of gas and ran it at home. it will stay running fine but when I put it the water It won't stay running. it will start up and run for a min or so then die out. I have the idle screw in all the way. when the chock lever is up some it will stay on. I also wonder if my timing is off some.

sounds like you need the carbs cleaned out. But before you tear into it, check compression and spark

The compression is 135 on 2 and 140 on the other 2. Spark is there. I'm going to change the plugs. I have new wires.

i know it's outboard 101, but make sure you have the right plug wires going to the right plugs. my tohatsu drive me crazy for a day or two until i noticed when i changed plugs, i crossed a wire( and its only a 3 cyl.)
and by choke lever, is that the throttle advance or an actual choke lever?