Fires but does not maintain idle

[rajman]

Motor starts but does not idle. Had it out a couple of months ago and it ran fine. SX190. I had put in new plugs this past fall. I pulled them yesterday and they were fine, no fouling. What should I check next?

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Does it die as soon as you move the key from start to run?

 

[rajman]

Yeah, pretty much

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

In my experience that could be the ignition switch itself, I’ve seen this a few times where the “run” position isn’t working anymore but when in the start position the run power is there until the key comes out of the start position. So when the engine dies it just stops running, it doesn’t stumble or struggle for a bit it just stops, is that what it’s doing?

Having said that, make sure the safety switch under the clean out hatch is not loose and adjusted properly, you might put something on top of the plunger to make sure it’s getting fully depressed. Pull the safety lanyard and replace it a few times to exercise that switch. I assume there is plenty of gas in the tank, I ask because there have been folks who keep their boat in a storage yard and had all of their gas stolen.