Any suggestions? Fuel additive?
From another site:
PROBLEM: The engine stalls in neutral, at idle, only.
When your outboard starts right up, keeps running with throttle applied in neutral, but shuts down the moment you come back to idle speed in neutral, the issue is likely to be a sticky or broken AIS (automatic idle speed) valve. This valve controls idle speed by regulating air intake, and when it gets stuck in the wrong position, it can shut you down cold.
QUICK FIX: You need to clean or replace the valve; replacing is the favored option, because once the valve fails you, it always seems to get stuck again at some point down the road. This isn’t a tough job, but most folks will want their mechanic to tackle it. Meanwhile, you can save your trip by starting with the throttle slightly advanced in neutral, and bringing the throttle back as close to idle as possible without actually going into idle. In most cases, you’ll be turning about 700 RPM. Then shift into idle and then directly into forward, without any hesitation or pause. It may take a few tries, but when you do it fast enough, you can get the engine into forward while it’s still running. Once it’s in gear and running, your problems are over (throughout the RPM range). Just remember not to shift back into neutral, or the engine will cut out again. And obviously, shifting this fast can be hard on the engine; it’s okay to do it once or twice to save the day, but before taking the boat out again get that valve fixed.
