My 2002 200 Optimax has developed an odd idle problem!!

3 out of 4 times, once warmed up, when I shift into neutral the motor will idle at 580-600ish (normal I think) and then speed to 1200 rpms. A turn-off and restart resets it for a brief period, then it goes back to 1200.

Today on the lake, it was alternating between 600 and 1200, so I pulled the hood to verify that the throttle was against the idle screw and it was. I did this while the motor randomly switching between 600 and 1200 because I wanted to make sure it wasn't the throttle setup, it isn't!!

These RPMs are from the Merc SC1000, so its not a funky tach problem. My immediate fear is that I'll be out and the thing will spin to a point where I can't drop it into gear!!!

Don, Any Thoughts would be appreciated!!! Also, a recommendation for a Opti Mechanic in SE Wisconsin, if you know someone.

Thanks, Jimmy