So I adjusted the cam on the timing plate as far as it would go, I also invested $12.00 into new solid core wires, plug boots etc. Pulled the flywheel and replaced the wires & regapped my points. Took the boat out Saturday and it rips. The motor runs great at wide open throttle, so I am pretty sure the plug wires were the issue. The high speed needle wont hold adjustment as somewhere along the way the shaft got bent, I will have to pick up a "new" used one on e-bay. Also how do I know if the impeller is working right? The motor "sprays" water out of the front, not a steady "****" stream like more modern models. I was cautious and kept feeling the temperature of the water with my hand, it got pretty hot at wide open but cools right down on trolling speed. The cylinder head was hot too, but never so hot I couldn't put my hand on it. I figure if any water at all is coming out the impeller should be functioning more or less correctly? How difficult of a job is that to replace? Thanks for the help NWcove and T Frank, it's great to be able to get ideas from other ppl when trying to figure something like this out.