Cure for a Submerged Outboard

[WoundedWarrior]

not completely true. if your compression is low or the cylinders are to varied in compression you can have the same problem ( my harley is like that )

[David M]

Chances are higher your carb jets are clogged or partially clogged. Cylinder walls and rings take time to wear.

After disassembly, use compressed air to blow all the tiny stuff you cant see out of your carb.

[WoundedWarrior]

my compression loss is in the heads, which can happen instantly ( back to gunk or what not )

[off-the-grid]

Cleaned the carb again and running much better. No longer need to choke, but it still stalls if I really throttle it down.

[perchance]

Originally Posted by grunzster

Cleaned the carb again and running much better. No longer need to choke, but it still stalls if I really throttle it down.

Tweek the idle mixture or adjust the throttle stop or both.

[hellosailor]

grunzster-
"but it still stalls if I really throttle it down. "
I remember the ads in the back of comic books and magazines "Make good money in your spare time! Repair lawn mowers and outboard engines!" and from what I've met and heard, a lot of the folks in the business got started that way and haven't gotten any better over the years. Or, they've figured out that folks who can't figure out how to store their lawnmower over the winter are easy prey.
Unless you can find an outboard shop with really golden recommendations, I'd suggest getting the shop manual and spending a weekend tearing it down yourself. Outboards aren't all THAT complicated, they're nowhere near as delicate as pocketwatches, and I'd guess you'll save a fast $200-500 by DIYing the overhaul.
Then maybe get a set of waterwings and strap 'em onto the engine? <VBG>