1978 85hp fuel issue help

[Dennischaves]

My 1978 85hp was idling well and trolling leaving the marina it was running fine but when I accelerated it started going faster and suddenly just slowed down to trolling I tried pumping the primer bulb until it got hard again and after a short 1sec delay it would pick up speed and then slow down again like it's being starved for fuel
the gas is good compression is good and it has spark
Should I look for a air leak or fuel pump issue?

 

[James R]

Two stroke characteristic.When it gets starved of fuel the RPM goes up then it will throttle back and not come up.
Did the primer bulb deflate and you had a problem getting it hard again. If you did then you have a restriction in the tank pick up tube. To prove it stick the tank end of the fuel hose in a jug of fuel mix and run. If the bulb did not deflate then you could have an air leak tank side of the bulb.

 

[Dennischaves]

When I got hone I did notice the 2 top nuts holding the carbs to the intake didnt have lick washers and were loose could this cause this problem?