Re: Strange engine problem...
You've obviously nailed to down to a fuel problem. If it starts to die, and you pump the primer bulb and the problem goes away, then your engine is obviously starving for fuel at WOT.<br /><br />The fuel pump is usually located directly on the side of the outboard, you can follow your fuel line in and find it.<br /><br />Most are a 2-stage pump that work off fluctuating cylinder pressure. The cylinder pressure is separated from the fuel passage by a small rubber diaphram. Negative pressure (vacuum) pulls on the rubber diaphram, which pulls fuel in through a one-way valve into a little chamber. Then, when that same cylinder has POSITIVE pressure, it pushes on the diaphram, which forces the fuel OUT of the chamber through another one-way valve out to the carbs. Negative cylinder pressure starts the process all over again.<br /><br />My bet says that your fuel pump is going bad and it can't keep up with the fuel demand and WOT. They are simple to rebuilt, and the gaskets and diaphram shouldn't run more than a few bucks. A repair manual will walk you through the entire process. If have enough mechanical knowledge to change your own oil, you can certainly rebuild your own fuel pump with the aid of a repair manual, they truly are that simple.
