1988 merc? 135hp

[Neikensnest]

I have a 1988 sea ray boat it has a 135hp motor there are no indications of this being a merc except for the zinc I purchased fit. The problem is it idols fine out of the water when hooked to the hose. In the water I have to push the throttle up to start it and when I bring the controls back to the center to put it in gear it stalls. When its running it runs perfect. Should I mess with the idol?

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: 1988 merc? 135hp

Neikensnest,<br /> The controls your describing are typical Mercury.Push button at bottom to warm up/idle.I have a '86 Merc w/same.<br />The stalling may be an over-rich mixture.<br />Check sparkplugs or replace if worn.<br />You may have BU8H NGK plugs,BU10H is a slightly hotter plug.<br />I think that is a V-6 motor,if so you should use 89 octane gas/or higher(In Merc.manual)<br />These motors are sensitive to fuel/oil ratios and are also prone to "loading up".Try mixing 1pt.(pint)TCW3 oil to 6 gals gas(89 oct.)in a portable outboard tank(that is if you do not have oil injection).See how it runs....I would not mess with the idle setting just yet.