Evinrude 150 1989 xp no power except in reverse

[Dan Hargrave]

I'm relatively new to this boat (VIP 179 Fish & Ski), my first. Probably only had it out < 10 times. Last time I had it out it ran just fine WOT 47 mph, last week. This morning same thing going out. Fished an hour or 2. Coming back had no power in forward. Only went about 20 mph. Tried going in reverse and had plenty of power. I'm guessing (and hoping) that it is a linkage problem since the engine seems perfectly normal when in reverse. My plans are to take the cover off without running the engine just observe the differences in the throttle position between full throttle forward vs. full throttle reverse. And go from there. Any suggestions? Thanks so much to those that take the time to respond to questions like this!

 

[racerone]

It just sounds better to you in reverse !-----In reverse there is a lot of exhaust air in the prop and very little load.----So see if you have strong spark on each lead , must jump a 3/8" gap.-----Could be water in the fuel.----Running with VRO in service or 50:1 mix in the tank?