Stalling out at Low Idle

[stripminer]

I replaced the coupler to the engine as there was a pin hole in the old one. I thought I found my problem with that but nope. I am working my way backwards from the engine.
I will try the 6 gallon tank routine as that takes all the guess work out of it, fuel, anti siphon valve etc.
Part of me wonders if I am asking my engine to do the impossible, I have been running it "just" in gear in an attempt to go about 1.7 MPH ( my tach crapped out years ago, sorry MJ ) Is it possible to run "too slow" with a v4 130 ?? I would think you should be able to stay barely in gear. Please let me know if you disagree.
The good news is I actually have my wife sold on getting a new outboard for my V20. After all its the ultimate hull, engines come and go, right ? Any suggestions on a new engine?,, money matters, you have a working man here.

- Tom