To refresh an outboard

[gsteel]

I have a 1990 yamaha 40hp ELD! It has been sitting up 5 years! It will start & run but won't idle! What would you suggest I do to refresh the engine".

[BQUICK]

Clean carbs.

[robert graham]

After you clean the carbs, install a fuel/water separator(Walmart $27), and start using the Stabil Marine in your gas to prevent further fuel problems.

[99yam40]

I have a 1990 yamaha 40hp ELD! It has been sitting up 5 years! It will start & run but won't idle! What would you suggest I do to refresh the engine".

A motor that sat up for that long may have rust in the cylinders and bearings if it was not put up properly for long term storage.

Check compression and hope for the best on the internals.
A good carb cleaning along with the fuel pump, lines, primer bulb, and tank to make sure trash / dried out fuel/oil will not hit the carbs and plugging up again after cleaning.

Don't forget to do the link and sync like your manual states after reinstalling the carbs