when in gear runs sweet, when l take it out of gear it either slows down and dies or revs really high!! ive adjusted most things on the carb, jets clean, floats fine throttle doesnt seem to stick! im at a bit of a loss, its a lovely engine and l wanna use it as much as poss but this is a bit of an issue. Any help?? thanks

l am not conversant with this engine but if you have done all you say - it sounds like an air leak in the crank case or a reed valve fault.

l agree with you - the old STs were lovely engines, built to last. It is certainly worth trying to keep it going. While l agree with the air leak theory, you will need someone knowledgeable to look at it. Try phoning Fairways Marine and ask for advice. http://fairwaysmarine.com/stuart-turner/maintenance.html

l agree too, a lovely little engine. l also agree about an air leak - sounds very like it anyway.

Ask ST, they are still going