Need Help

[Steveib]

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.

[spareparts]

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

[Steveib]

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.

[phatdaddy]

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?