low rpms

[linmat]

I have 1988 merc 200hp outboard that won't go much over 3000 rpms in the water and won't go much over 3400 rpms with muffs. I have changed fuel filters and have checked all over for leaks, but have not found any. Additionally the motor starts fine, never stalls, and runs fairly consistent. Can anybody give me a suggestion as to what may be the problem. The motor will also run out of water on any of the 6 cylinders. Thanks.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: low rpms

First, don't run above 2000 RPM on muffs or neutral in the water, unless you want to buy a new powerhead. As you probably figured out by now, running w/o load doesn't tell anything useful. I would expect the likely cause of low power is dirt or debris in the carbs, but you would be way ahead with a good shop manual (available from this website). I would follow the trouble shooting guide in the manual to eliminate possibilities.<br /><br />Good luck.