1979 115 HP carb questions

[mesajeeper]

I took the pontoon boat out for the first time this season. It started up as good as it usually does (takes a few tries). It idled fine and appeared all was well. I putted out past the no wake line and began to accelerate. It accelerated fine at first but then decelerated to near idle speed even at full throttle. If I pumped the bulb, I would sometimes get a slight surge in power. We stopped for about 20 minutes. Again started and idled fine. Once I began to accelerate again, it would back down to just above an idle.

We came home and parked the boat. The next morning I proceeded to investigate. I originally thought I had a fuel pump issue. However I noticed I had a constant fuel drip out of the bottom carburetor. It appeared to be leaking from the two brass tubes at the base of the opening below the choke flap.

So I presume I need to rebuild the carbs. Can anyone provide any insight into why I have the fuel leaking? Will the normal rebuild procedure of replacing the needle and seat, cleaning all other jets and ports, ensuring the float is properly adjusted, etc. fix this leaking issue? Also, I hope this could also be the cause of the poor performance on the lake?

Thanks in advance for all the help. I truly appreciate it.

Johnson 115ML79R is the outboard in discussion.

 

[glust]

If it is leaking that does point to a needle/seat issue. While you are in there it might not be a bad idea to swap or clean the jets as well as a gasket kit. I am not sure if that is the reason for the poor performance though unless the high speed jet is completely blocked only allowing you to operate on the idle jet. Squeezing the primer bulb and getting some relief would also indicate a high speed jet blockage. n You are increasing pressure by squeezing, but not necessarily the volume of gas you need to go fast. I'd rebuild the carbs

 

[mesajeeper]

Thanks for the response. I plan to remove the two carbs and rebuild them. After removing the carbs for the rebuild, will I need to do a link and sinc when I am done or can I remove and install them without affecting these adjustments?