BF50 running problems

[coastal hermit]

Just happened. The engine starts to miss at higher speeds. After a bit of missing, it becomes very bad. Can't really operate. So, I limped home. Kept the rpms low. Much less missing at low speeds. After awhile, it started fine and ran for a few seconds at high rpms and then repeated problem. 'Resting' seems to give it life for a few seconds.
Traced fuel from tank to carbs. Lots. Pump is pumping. Put vacuum gauge on carbs and they were all equal and balanced. Squeeze bulb to assist fuel pump. Nada. It feels like fuel starvation but plenty is being pumped and the carbs are working in unision. Spark plugs running dark brown. I live remote. Have to fix my own stuff. Don't have gauges or service centres. I suspect it is the electrics....CDI? But I must admit - it feels like lack of fuel despite proof to the contrary. Help!

 

[multimech]

Re: BF50 running problems

Pump primer bulb when you get to the point where the engine starts acting up. Help? If so, then I would suspect the fuel pump. If no help, check the ignition with a timing light. Get at the back of the boat, put the timing light on each cylinder and watch for ignition breakdown.

 

[coastal hermit]

Re: BF50 running problems

Pump primer bulb when you get to the point where the engine starts acting up. Help? If so, then I would suspect the fuel pump. If no help, check the ignition with a timing light. Get at the back of the boat, put the timing light on each cylinder and watch for ignition breakdown.

. Pumping the priming bulb had no effect. And the pump seemed strong when I checked the flow. BUT I WILL check timing next. The think is, it just happened. Like one second running fine, next running bad. Could timing go out like that?