Let me start off by saying that I have done extensive searches, and I have found several previous topics that are similar to the problem I'm having, but nothing 100% conclusive about what my problem may be.<br /><br />There is a lot of info here, so let me try to be as consice as possible.<br /><br />18 ft Ranger Fish 'n ski, 373V<br />1984 Johnson GT150 w/VRO -J150STLCRD<br /><br />Last two years the boat was sitting idle for lack of funding to replace a steering cable. Once the cable was replaced, I pulled all the carbs, cleaned them, but did not rebuild them. They looked brand new, and there was little to no varnishing from stale gas.<br /><br />The motor has had a "quirk" for some years now in that I would always have to run it some before it would actually power up. I would unload it, and while the driver was parking, I would take it out of the no wake onto the main lake, and hold the pedal down (I have a hot foot pedal installed) until it got "warmed up". It would run slow and then kick up to running speed, drop back, then kick up again. After a few minutes of this, it would begin running fine, and would be fine the rest of the trip. Indeed, it would perform flawlessly from that point, reaching speeds in excess of 55 mph.<br /><br />Since I have gotten back on the water, here is what I have noticed and done:<br />Motor stays in "cold" phase, acting as if it never warms up. I know this "warming up" phase isn't a true phase, and is probably indicative of a problem, perhaps a power pac, and that may even be the problem I am having now, the pac has finally let go maybe.<br /><br />Anyway, it won't go over 1200 RPM, even if I hold the pedal down.<br /><br />Removed cowling and inspected motor at home. Top piece of the choke solenoid was leaking profusely. Replaced.<br /><br />Problem continued.<br /><br />On the lake, noticed that the fuel manifold (plastic rail) had "come apart" and was leaking profusely at the joint. On the suggestion of the local boat shop, I put it back together with JB Kwik.<br /><br />Problem continued.<br /><br />I have checked plugs wires, and coils, and all appear to be sending perfect spark. Even replaced plugs with the UL777V plugs (no gap) recommended for this motor.<br /><br />The motor "kicks" every once in a while in neutral, however, it will rev to at least 5000 RPM as long as it's not in gear.<br /><br />I have also noticed that if I hold in the choke primer on the ignition switch, the motor runs better. That is actually the only way I can get on plane, and as soon as I let go of it, the motor starts to falter and the RPMS start dropping.<br /><br />I pulled the plugs last night after about 4 hours of operation on them, and they were black with oil and wet. I cleaned them off but it didn't seem to help.<br /><br />I admit that I have not checked the fuel rail since I was on the water today, so I don't know at this point if it the repair is still holding, but it did stay dry during testing last night. Personally, I suspect either the power pacs or the fuel pump, but I wanted to hear what some of you had to say on the subject. Am I overlooking something?<br /><br />If I have been unclear or if there is some info I've left off, let me know.<br /><br />Thx in advance.
) Good luck<br />Frank