Hi Guys,
So I am back with an update...sorry for the delay. Between bad weather and other plans, I haven't been able to work much on the boat and try out your theories.
First things first, I did another compression test. This was the first I have tested it since replacing a head gasket almost two years ago. Have used it only a couple of times since then so I was relatively confident this would not be an issue. All compression came back fine in the 145 range per cylinder. There was nearly no variance between cylinders.
Next, I tested the spark. Cylinder #1 failed the spark test, Cylinders #2 and #3 were fine. I swapped the spark plug wire from the failed cylinder #1, with that on on the working Cylinder #2. The wire from Failed Cylinder #1, worked on cylinder #2, so I know it was not the spark plug wire. Next I swapped the coil pack from Failed Cylinder #1 with that from the working cylinder #2. Coil Pack from Failed Cylinder #1 worked on Cylinder # 2, so I know it is not the coil pack.
I then pulled what i believe to be a ground wire (excuse my novice abilities and knowledge, see linked YouTube video below of me pointing to it) from Cylinder one coil pack. The wire ran from the Power pack to the coil pack. The connector looked to have some corrosion which I brushed up with a wire brush. I reconnected and tested spark again on Failed Cylinder #1. I got spark and Cylinder #1 now passed the test. Much like Watermann suggested, it was probably operating on 2 out of 3 cylinders. I grew optimistic. I now needed to put the boat in the water and test her out.
So I went to a local lake and put the boat in. Started right up, idled fine, engaged into gear fine, motor sounded smooth and like I know it to be when operational. So I pull away from the launch slowly and the boat is moving as it should. I get it throttle to about the half point and all is well. I decide to push it beyond the halfway throttle mark and get to about 2/3 throttle and beyond where it limits out. I am experiencing the same issue still. The boat will typically go about 25 mph when running right and full throttle, and I am going about 7.3 mph according to my Lowrance. See linked YouTube video below. About 5 seconds into the video when I try to give it full throttle, you will undoubtedly hear the motor limit out.
So what is the issue now? What should I test? A couple of thoughts in my head.... carburetor jet is clogged and not giving fuel? Could my fuel line be having issues supplying fuel to the motor? My latest thought is, could the motor be thinking it is overheating and running itself in a S.L.O.W. mode to prevent it from overheating further? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! This is certainly aggravating as is the life of owning a boat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrUpt--07E8 <----
Me, showing corroded wire I brushed up which ultimately gave Cylinder #1 spark. Is this a ground?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub8wU8LYbbo&feature=youtu.be <----Motor in the water when I try to give it full throttle.