9.8 4 stroke tohatsu

rough low speed idle, and shuts off when going to neutral. motor used on sailboat, three years old. if carb needs cleaning how do you pull it and will it need a kit to properly fix it. a 3 year old motor

Sounds like possible carb varnishing in the idle circuit. Not uncommon if fuel is left in the carb for weeks at a time. Proper cleaning will involve disassembling the unit, followed by a 3+ hour submersion of the carb body in carb dip. Carb is removed in the normal manner; two hex-head cap screws (with 10mm heads) and the associated linkages. Full information on assembly and setup is in the Factory service manual, available at any dealer.

will a carb kit be needed? also thanks

will a carb kit be needed? thanks

If you'd like to be on the safe side, you can get a carb kit, just in case. Otherwise, disassemble the carb and inspect it to see if you need any new parts.

The kit includes a new float, needle/seat, and a few other bits, including a couple of screws and gaskets. Generally not needed unless the carb has a lot of hours, severe "sludge varnish" in the inlet needle area, or if the needle/seat has wear from imputities in the fuel. Typically, on low-hour, good-fuel carbs, the only bits you might need from the kit are the needle and seat. If you get a kit, I would recommend the Factory kit from a dealer, Part # 3V1871220M, $33.42 MSRP.

thanks to all who replied concerning my issue. capt. george "pearson 26"

BTW, since you are pushing a Pearson 26, take a look at the 4-blade High Thrust props available for the 9.8. They give great low-speed control, and they BACK UP.