1990 Mercury 60 stalls when putting in gear unless I go past where it engages

[Ilovefishing]

OK I have a 1990 Monark 17' with a 1990 Mercury 3 cyl 60 HP on it. Motor runs great, starts easy, sometimes will die when it is idling but my major issue is you can't just put it into forward without it stalling, almost like there is a dead zone, I have to push it a good bit forward from neutral and it surges then I can pull it back a little bit. I am not sure if this is my idle is too low or its in the throttle. (EX; Say transmission engages at 11 o'clock, I have to take it to 9:30 or 9 to keep it from dying when putting in gear) Only reason I am leaning more toward the idle being too low is I have to do same thing going into reverse. I just bought the boat a few months back and it has done it since I have had it so I am guessing it done it with the previous owner he just failed to mention it. I don't know how many RPM the engine idles at as the Tach doesn't work on the boat. Should I try to adjust the idle up to start?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Texasmark]

Idle speed should be 675 +/- 50 on the boat in the water, in gear. Start there. Idle speed control is a knurled head, spring loaded screw on the throttle linkage in the engine. You can find it by moving the throttle lever back and forth and looking at the throttle arm (moving) in the engine, port side (left looking forward) the idle screw is the one which stops it's movement when cutting the throttle all the way.

Check that out and come back if no fix.

 

[CharlieB]

Carb idle circuit is a bit lean. Most likely caused by dirt or mineral accumulation and simply needs a decent cleaning.

PRIOR to disassembly gently turn the idle mixture screws in until just LIGHTLY seated while counting your turns EXACTLY so once finished cleaning you can reset the screw to the exact same position.

Detailed instructions are spelled out in the service manual. If you do not have the manual yet, shame. Many are available on-line, Google can be very helpful finding it.

Once upon a time there were links posted here in threads to most all service manuals. I've been gone too long and do not know if those are still available. Use the search feature and find out.

 

[Ilovefishing]

Thanks for answers, I do not have a service manual yet, just purchased this boat but I will see what I can find.