My 90hp, 3 cyl mercruiser/force will run any where from idle up to 4000rpm and then die out slowly (in about 5 seconds) when I push the throttle above 4000rpm. After it dies (stops running) it is very difficult to start unless I give the carb plenum a shot of starter fluid, then it starts right up. I noticed that the top carb begins spitting out fuel at the air intake at 4000rpms and above but doesn't when running below 4000rpms. I pulled the float bowl(on top carb) and it had fuel and was clean. Does this sound like a float needle problem or a reed valve problem or something else? My theory is that if it was a leaking float needle the engine should just suck all the excess fuel in and then flood out, but because the fuel actually spits out the front of the carb when running above 4000rpm, perhaps a reed valve is stuck open thus pushing fuel out of the carb, but I've been wrong before. If I go to the trouble of pulling the carbs to replace the needle valve I'm wondering if I should also pull the reed valves out if I pull the carbs. All help is appreciated. PS: Ok I'll show my stupidity, what exactly does WOT stand for? Thks, todapark
<br /><br />I'm thinking reed valve, but I'm no expert.<br /><br />Be careful with that starting fluid, as it is harsh and will strip the engine of its protective oil coating. Better to use a small spray bottle with 50:1 premix in it.