Re: divider plate
There are two different divider styles. You'll get two sets of gaskets in the kit. In the kit will be instructions on how to identify the correct set for your divider plate. You do not need to use sealant with the Merc Kit unless you have corrosion pitting on the mating surfaces. In that case, apply a thin, smoothed layer of Permatex #2 non hardening sealant. You might find it tempting to use the Gray ATV/Motorcycle sealant but don't it's for machined non-gasketed surfaces,,, and it sux on a boat motor.
The Merc Service Manual for your engine also recommends checking the divider plate (not the cover) for warpage. If it is warped it should be replaced.
#4 cylinder almost always looks clean on these motors because it gets an excessive amount of oil pooling in it and it's jacket is always fully immersed in water so it runs very cool. If you take it out and run it at WOT then turn off the key and pull the plug you'll see it is burning a nice tan color as it is supposed to.
The poor hole shot is from one of the following. Dirty injectors on 3 and 4. Plugged injector filter. Bad/misadjusted accellerator pump. Timing out of synch with throttle.
1. The injectors are on 3 and 4 under the electrical plate.
2. The injectors filter is behind the oil tank.
3. The accellerator pump is just above the fuel pump and should have a cam to plunger clearance of .030 when the throttle is in the WOT position.
4. Perform a Link/Sync procedure.
