Re: carb rebuild/repair
Here is my current motor's model number 856x5L. It is a 1985, 85hp long shaft engine. My carbs have the same part numbers as your 1988 engine. Use my model number to get the carb parts that you need.
I always order the parts individually instead of the rebuild kits as I never use all the stuff in the kit. From my experiences, the parts that need replacing are the rubber O ring that serves as a seat for the float needle, the bowl gasket and the bowl retaining bolt gasket. If you have the O ring type seats, the needles don't wear. If you have the brass seats, then the needle and seat should be replaced if worn.
Most carbs need the passeges cleaned out and the floats set to the correct height. Rarely, you will find a float that will sink. In that case the float must be replaced.
These carbs are simple and work well as long as they don't get debris in the jets or gummed up from old fuel.
While you are at it, add a cheap automotive fuel filter to the inlet line to the carbs. This will keep rubber and carbon particals from the fuel pump from getting to the carb an blocking a jet.
John
