outboard runs on full choke only

[don y beimborn]

After a winter layup, took our 9.9 1979 Johnson up to the lake with last year's gas. It ran fine for two days, then I had the resort guys fill the tank. Then it started to run poorly. Could get speed only with the choke out and by the end of the week it would run only with the choke out. Plugs are black and wet. Might be oily.

What can I do? Need to go fishing Wednesday.

[BIG DS]

Take the carbs off and clean the pilot jets. If you have no experience in this field find a mechanic. The proper way is to have the carbs cleaned completely, needle and seat replaced, and re-adjusted. Call a shop, quick!

[mechanictim]

Sounds like a vacuum leak, the choke restricts air to the engine and creates a rich mixture needed for starting the engine, a vacuum leak will lean out the mix until you close the choke. Check the bolts that hold the carburetor to the intake manifold sometimes they can work loose. You will probably have to pull off the recoil start to get to one of the bolts. If the bolts are tight check the gaskets on both sides of the intake manifold.

[Valv]

Definitely dirty carb. Have it cleaned or rebuilt.

[mnrstrider]

First I'd get some new gas, and if that didnt work all the problems out, then I take the other steps people have mentioned.