[cwill]

I got stranded on the lake last weekend. I had a difficult time starting the engine prior to leaving the ramp. Once it started it ran fine to the first fishing hole. When I attempted to leave the engine would die out when I put it in gear. It would idle for a little after i primed it. Could this be the carbs or fuel pump? The primer bulb was not hard. Can I spray a cleaner in the carbs? Any suggestions?

[HighTrim]

Welcome to iboats. When were the carbs last rebuilt? May be time for a bath and rebuild. Check to see if the timer base (starboard side, under the edge of the flywheel, linked to the throttle lever) moves smoothly without sticking when you advance the throttle.

Take the airbox cover off & observe whether the throttle plates are parallel.

Also, the timer base should start it's travel before the throttle plates start to open, else she'll fall flat when you try to accelerate.

If you pump the primer bulb will it pick up? If so the carb floats could be improperly set or defective,failing fuel pump air motor diaphragm ,leaky or dislodged pulse hose between crankcase and fuel pump, bad primer bulb, etc... If you do get a new primer bulb, get the BRP one, not a cheap aftermarket.

[1730V]

Spraying cleaner in the carbs will do absolutely no good and could easily damage the engine.

[Silvertip]

I agree with 1730V -- carb cleaner sprayed into the carb throught cleans only the throat -- it doesn't get to the heart of the problem which lies "inside" the carb. Carb cleaner can indeed cause damage as there is no lubricant in that stuff. However, add a can of SeaFoam to the fuel as the first line of attack. It is an excellent fuel system cleaner and may help. You can use it all the time as a preventive measure as well. If the problem continues a carb rebuild is very likely needed.