40 hp - Runs but always stalls

[Whaler40hp]

I have a '88 40hp, it starts and runs when still in the water, but once I put it into gear, it stalls no matter what I do. So there is no going foward at all. What might I need to do to fix this? I believe its some fuel problem but I dont know.

[Bay Catt]

Start buy checking the fuel first. It may be contaminated. With the new ethonol gas it has become common place.

[panamageorge2]

does it sputter then stall or just as soon as the lower unit "clicks" into gear it stalls quickly without sputtering? If it sputters and then stalls out you might just need to raise you idle a little bit. If it quickly stalls then your lower unit could be locked up.

[Whaler40hp]

When hooked up to the hose at home, I can put it into gear, but the resistance from the water makes it stall. It also just stalls fast without sputtering, I can rev the idle then put it in gear and it will just stall quickly.