miss and dies at idol

[j5697]

I have a 1988 15hp 2 stroke mercury serial #ob322223. I am experiencing a problem that I am having some trouble hunting down. The motor starts up on first pull and as long as I keep the idol knob set high, it stays running but almost the minute I turn it down, it misses and dies.
I checked compression 125 psi on both cylinders-fresh fuel-new spark plugs.
I was thinkning it may be 1 of the ignition coils but, I am not sure how to check them. I currently do not have a manual but I orderd 1 in .pdf format. Is there a sticky or other place on here I can paste it for others to view. If not we need to start thread with different manuals for any member to view.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. mike

 

[CharlieB]

Re: miss and dies at idol

A dirty idle jet in the carb will die at an idle, but seem OK with the throttle open or the choke partially on.

A spray bottle of pre-mixed fuel and I bet if you time your spray JUST right you can get it to stay running, just long enough to decide to clean that carb.

 

[James R]

Re: miss and dies at idol

When was the carb last overhauled.Sounds like it is dirty. Also try squeezing the primer bulb when it falters to check for fuel pump problems.