Old Evinrude running rough?

[Larryrsf]

I have done everything listed here except having the carbs off and rebuilt. During the boat refurbishment, I removed and cleaned the fuel tanks, installed all new lines, new fuel filter/water separator, new selector valve, and replaced every rubber fuel line to and between the carbs. There are no leaks.

But the boat is in the Marina now and will be there until October or so. I doubt I could easily remove the carbs while the boat is there. And even if I did, my outboard mechanic is buried with work this Spring-- and probably couldn't do the job for weeks--and then would charge me the proverbial "arm and a leg!" So I will just have to live with the rough idle-- or slightly too fast idle to prevent it dying when shifting from neutral.

I have added the right amount of a fuel conditioner that he recommended. I will continue that, of course. He said that might slowly improve the idle as it cleans the jets.

I just realized I should be flushing the engine with fresh water after each use in sea water. So I will take the muffs and a hose to the marina and do that after I bring it in to the slip. I see the other owners keeping their outboards tilted up out of the water between uses.

Thanks for your advice!

Larry