25 mercury ??

[boatfixer]

If it is running rich and the gas is coming through the carb,

There is:

Something stuck in the inlet needle seat not allowing it to close off or..

The float level is off or...

The float bowl vent is plugged and it is venting through the main jet or...

The needle itself is bad, ie, a ring around it.

[DUCKAHOLIC]

could it be possible that the float isnt set right so it runs rich at idle but doesnt allow enough fuel to pass threw at wide open? i guess i never checked that

[boatfixer]

Unlikely.

You say the fuel pump was rebuilt? A diaphram with a hole can run rich and not pump well. 1 cylinder will run rich though.

[DUCKAHOLIC]

the bottom cylinder was running richer than the top.. how do i take the pump apart to see if the diaphram has a hole?

[boatfixer]

I had a brain flatulant.

Your fuel pump is integral. In other words, its built into the carburator.

To be honest, Id still plan on going through the carb and pump anyway.

I would venture to say the reason its rich on the bottom is because of puddling fuel in the crankcase from running too rich.

[DUCKAHOLIC]

yes i took it apart a little bit ago..the diaphram didnt have a hole in it but a couple of the gaskets were pretty hard and dry so i will be replacing it all hopefully solving my problem lol... like i said i replaced the tank and hose but the connection end on the motor are original any possibility that could have something to do with anything?

[boatfixer]

It doesnt explain running rich, however if its sucking air it can cause your high speed issue.

[311Hemi]

Yes, the fuel lines under the cowl could cause you problems...we had to change them out on ours. Also make sure the o-ring for the fuel filter is installed and in decent shape.