I am 99% sure I know what was wrong, but as soon as I open my big mouth . . . I'll probably jinx the motor. Basically I believe that it wasn't getting enough fuel at high rpm.

The hose from the merc male plug to the fuel pump is 1/4" ID and it was kinked a bit by a tie wrap. I put that tie wrap on to keep the hose away from the linkage (when it was near full advance). Anyways . . . to make a long story short . . . I had MJ working the throttle while I was watching the linkage near the hose. 1 out of every 5 times the throttle was advanced to near WOT the linkage bumped the hose and kinked it (cutting off the fuel). I rerouted the fuel lines and fittings to the carbs with a old school three way fuel pump nipple. I pulled apart the fuel pump just to look for any shaving on the filter screen and replaced one of the check valves that wasn't very snappy. The motor seems to have like the changes, so I'm happy that MJ's happy and the boat is running well.

I'm pretty sure that's this will one of the final chapters in the MJ motor fiasco series. Well change the poppet valve and rebuild the carbs in the spring . . . just to be safe :)

Glad the Merc ran good for you MJ.

33 knots....thats like 38 mph, not too shabby!

MJ - I plugged the numbers into the prop calc and your right on the money 5600 - 5800 rpms to get that speed with 2:1 ratio, 15p prop and 12 -15% slip. All you need now is a good tach or an adjustment on that one.

I need a new one. Also have to get the temp gauge working and a few other small things. We will get there!!

Thanks

Did you put a 2:1 on it BS? I thought all of the 2.4L's and 2.5L's were the 1.87:1's?

yeah - I put the 2:1 on that motor (from a 1991 2.0L 150) so MJ's sea tub could get on a plain better.

GOTCHA! LEt him turn a larger diameter wheel to help heave the hoe.

Big Shrimpin has a very good extended warranty policy. well worth it...

Sounds like a lifetime policy to me.