capehorn

i have a mercury 200 outboard can anybody tell me what should my idle tac should read when i am in neutral its reading about 500 rpm and when i cold start it it starts but shuts out untill it warms up should i turn up the idle a little to keep it running or do i have a problem but i throttle it to about a 1000 rpm and it does fine can i leave it there or what should i do

DOUBLE "D" & LV

By what you are saying, I'm going to ASSUME that you have a carb engine with a primer style choke and no E.C.U.withthrottle position sensor.In gear, in the water, your idle should be around 600-650 once warmed up. Depending on the boat, prop, etc, in the water out of gear, you idle should be no more than 750. Out of the water will be around 800-850.Usually they have to be warmed up some to idle good without using the choke or warm up lever.I would say you should idle it up to what I mentioned. If you have the idle higher than 750 inneutral, you will run the risk of gear damage. If it will notidle properly, then youhave a problem.