I have a 1987 Wellcraft 192 classic with a 165 HP Mercruiser - bought it new. Last summer, I re-built the carb - using the proper kit. I did the preliminary settings as per instructions then installed the carb back onto the engine. The thing started and ran great - better than ever! However, while cruising about 20 MPH (after about 30 min.), the engine hiccupped and died. It did not want to re-start hot. My first impression was that it seemed vapor-locked - but I know that's more common with outboards. After smelling gas, I realized it was most likely flooded (I may have done that trying to re-start it). Using starting fluid, I got it started. Later, a boat place told me they were sure it was water in the tank (polypropylene tank) from years of condensation. I siphoned nearly all of the gas out of the tank, added EZorb, then filled it with fresh hi-test gas. I also replaced the fuel line and added a fuel/water separator/filter. After that, it started and ran great...until this past Saturday. Same issue with the hiccup and hard starting. I had no way of pulling one of the plugs, but I'm fairly certain it was flooded after trying to re-start it. This time I noted gas dripping from the 2 tubes/jets into the carb throat. They look like they come out of the float bowl - dripping while the boat's just sitting there, not running and not being cranked over. I'm baffled and wondering (based on the dripping gas) if the float level could be wrong or if there's another adjustment I'm not aware of? The motor runs awesome - smooth with good power otherwise. After stalling/hiccup, once re-started, it runs great again. Any ideas out there?
