I have a 1982 Suzuki DT 85 that was on a boat I refurbished last year. I do not know the history if the motor. The boat/motor ran well towards the end of last season. I winterized it per the normal recommended process (filled it, treated fuel, fogging oil, etc.) The first time out it ran like crap and we barely made it around (low speed, poor idle, couldn't open it up or it died). I thought bad gas so I drained the gas and refilled. Next time out was better but still could not get to WOT without it dying. I read up on the new Ethanol gasoline and thought that may have been the problem, so I added a new fuel water separator in line. Took it out yesterday and had a better time, getting the boat up to full speed on several runs up and down the river. However, I still had an intermittent problem with giving it gas and opening it up. After about three runs, it died and I could start it, but it died each time I put it into gear. In order to get back to the dock as a slow pace, I turned about an eight of a turn on the air screw on each carb. This allowed me to get back at a very slow pace. I obviously have a problem. By the way, I also replaced the fuel pump when I did the fuel/water separator. Everything from the tank to the carbs is new. I have not had the carbs off yet. Am I missing something obvious? Should I play with the air/fuel mixture to richen or lean it out? Can I spray carb cleaner in the carbs without taking them off? Does Ethanol gas require a richer or leaner setting on the carb? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
