4 stroke mystery

[GinoDelG]

My 6 year old Tohatsu 4 stroke 9.9 is acting up.
It starts on first pull and runs fine, but when I slow to idle coming up to my boat or a dock, it stalls. Then its hard to start and I have to give it a lot of throttle to get it going again. If I wait 10 minutes it starts fine.
I recently had it serviced. I also increased the idle speed but that doesn’t make a difference. And I cleaned the carb twice but that didn’t help.
Any ideas?

[floater88]

Check your fuel lines and primer bulb for air leaks.

[GinoDelG]

Good idea. Thanks.

[Scubaseas]

Originally Posted by floater88

Check your fuel lines and primer bulb for air leaks.

Also crack open the tank fill cap to see if there/s vacuum on the tank.

If this and above are OK look at the air idle jet in the carb. Likely to be a fixed, machined slot in the bore. Remove the idle jet and try blowing out through the hole. Drain the bowl first or do it when you have it apart (again). If it runs OK at 1/2 or more throttle the issue is in the idle or off idle circuits. Checking your float level would be a good idea also. Unless you speak fluent carburetor, it may be easier to just replace it if all of the above doesn't work.

Checking the timing might be an idea but I sincerely doubt that's it.

If you do get it fixed clean you fuel and consider installing a filter.