Recently purchased a mud buddy mini with a stock 23 vanguard. The issue I'm having is the motor will cut out if I let it idle without the clutch engaged (in the water) or if I have it idle in the water and switch it into gear it will stall. My Nutral idle rpm is between 1000-1200. I should say that the motor runs fine as soon as the boat is moving. Any ideas? This is my first surface drive so let me know if this is just the way it is.

Clean the jets.

Also, any simple improvements this motor responds to? I see the $1800 stage 1 kit but for that kid be of $$ I'd just as soon buy a bigger motor.

if cleaning the carb does satisfy or you want more. The stage one is nice but a carb change will make you smile!

Any recommendations on a carbnother than those offered from bps?

Search this forum for DIY carb kit, or DIY mikuni. Use google to search for it.

Use ebay, amazon, whatever to piece together the parts you need. a 32-34mm mikunui carb.

Contact Al at Performance V-twins and you can get an adapter for the carb for around 100 bucks.

The info is hard to find, but it is out there.

Good luck!

Here is a starting point. This is for a 42HSR for a 35hp motor though. Same principals apply.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=61274&start=0

http://mudmotortalk.com/mmt_v2/viewtopi ... 2&start=40

I know this seems obvious but have you tried adjusting your idle? I have a new copperhead 23 and out of water idle closer to 1400. Loading these motors from idle seems to be grounds for stalling. If Im idling just under 1400 or so with my prop out of water and drop it in the water it wants to stall but just barely dosent. I could imagine that if your only at 1000-1200 thats why its stalling.

If you have a water separator check the element. If it's a Sierra brand throw it away and get a Yamaha.
Check the oil level. If it has just a little too much oil it will stall and die.