Johnson 60 outbord problems

[jeffatc250r]

Recently i picked up a boat with a 1989 johnson 60. Previous owner said the fuel enrichment selenoid was funky. I replaced it with a untested used one and it runs a little better but will not reach WOT. From idle to half throttle it will run great, after that it flatlines. Fuel pump??? What do you guys think? Never owned a boat before so figured id ask people who have had experience with theae more than i have.

[200xman]

Try hitting the choke when it starts to die and see if that helps. My bet would be dirty carbs or the throttle/timing linkage is out of sync. BTW, I'm a marine mechanic for a living.

[jeffatc250r]

Before i even tried starting it i took all 3 carbs off and cleaned them, although nothing was clogged. All 3 seem to be in sync with eachother. Could the fuel pump be weak? Seems like its starving for fuel.

[just ben]

the carbs are not necesarily in sync when they move at the same rate. you need a special tool to properly sync the carbs. sounds like the p.o was messing around with it. I would bite the bullet and take it to a qualified marine mechanic. who knows what the p.o messed around with

[jeffatc250r]

Well i would, but im too stubborn. I realize they are not perfectly in sync without gauges, but i feel that shouldnt cause it not getting past half throttle? All 3 cylinders are within a cpl lbs of eachother at 120psi.
Ill keep dickin with it, maybe theres some kucka in the fuel pump restricting flow.

[riverrat]

Look at the carbs at wot, and see if excess fuel is going in from maybe a float hanging up.

[200xman]

If you think the fuel pump is bad just squeeze the primer bulb when it starts to die and you'll act like a manual fuel pump. Also make sure the timer base under the flywheel is advancing. I've seen them get stuck and the linkage pops off. Idle timing should be around 4 degrees BTDC and full advanced should be somewhere between 18-24 ATDC. Full advance should be by around 3500 RPM. There should be a sticker on the top of the motor telling the full advance but it may be missing. If you need I can probably send you a copy of the sync and link adjustments.

[jeffatc250r]

Kinda embarresed to admit this, but i had the carbcover off with it running and noticed milk at the carb openings, then it dawned on me.....water in the fuel.
Dumped the gas into a clear container and sure enough, an inch of water on the bottom. It came from the other can i used to get fuel to dump into the boat. I dumped what was left of that jug, about a gallon into another clear jug and half of it was water....guess thats why i should stick to plastic jugs.