[spareparts]

probably a combination of issues, sounds like an air leak in the fuel line, a weak fuel pump(posibly leaking into the crankcase), adn something in the idle circut of the carbs. First things first, run a compresion test, make sure your not chasing another problem. then rebuild teh fuel system, go thru the carbs, replace the fuel line and primer bulb, replace all the fuel filters, rebuild the fuel pump. Its almost a maintaince item on outboards to go thru teh fuel system from time to time. Don't forget to float test the anti siphon valve while you're at it.