Re: carb questions
I just experienced the same problem with the same model/year motor. You shouldn't have to worry about re-synchronizing the carbs just pop off the oil pump linkage (to carb), remove the three bolts and take the carb linkage off. (if you have a manual it's straight forward). You'll find that a modified 7/16" wrench is necessary to remove the lower nuts for the bottom carb (just cut one to where you can work comfortably). Make sure you identify and mount the carbs in the same position as they were remove. Remove the bowl/float and needle valve/seat, turn over and remove the six screws from the top cover exposing the mixing chamber. (this was the dirty area on my motor). It's advisable to replace the needle and seat but not totally necessary. I used carb cleaner in the spray form and cleaned/blew through all orifice's being extremely careful not to get anything on the floats or tips of my needle valves (original tips had rubber coating/replacements don't). Re-assemble in the reverse and when installing the carb linkage, just push it onto the three carb pins and after you re-attached the oil pump linkage you'll notice the carb linkage is in the same position as before...just install the three bolts.
I suggest changing the needle valve/seat as I learned the hard way...my bottom carb leaked so I removed the carbs again and put new ones in ($16.00 each from Mercury Marine).
If you want I could scan my manual and see if I can attach a PDF for your assistance?
