runs poorly no power

[achappy]

Hi I just bought a 18 foot center console w/ a 125 force, 1989. took it out on the water and it is idling fast and wont get on plane and sounds like its only running on two cylinders. when i got it home i took out the spark plugs and the top and bottom were covered with gas / oil. the middle two were shiny. i did compression and top three were 130 and bottom was 125. i guess my question is where to start. new plugs, rebuild carbs, decarb engine.... and is there any correlation to carbs to cylinders. does it make sense for middle two and first and last to correlate
Thanks for any help

 

[eurolarva]

Re: runs poorly no power

Because compression numbers are good I would follow the spark on the two clean spark plugs. Dirty plugs are firing.

 

[roscoe]

Re: runs poorly no power

no connection between the carbs and cylinders affected.

Top carb feeds the top 2 cylinders.
Bottom carb feeds the bottom 2 cylinders.

 

[sentinel]

Re: runs poorly no power

Could also be a separation in the plug wires or caps. Especially if they are the resistive type.

Remove all four plugs and crank the engine over with the 2 good plugs in the spark plug wires at top and bottom and with plug bases grounded to engine frame.

You should see the same hot spark with any one of the four spark plug wires and any one of the plugs. This way you can check both the plugs and the cables to help isolate the problem.

 

[moparman]

Re: runs poorly no power

Check all your connections at the bulk head connector on the motor to be sure nothing has loosened and come off.Compression numbers sound decent, so check the two clean plugs ignition system as per your manual[you do have one ,right?]as it sounds like your on two cylinders. C.D.I.'s web site and master tech both have excellent trouble shooting sections that will walk you through most electrical issues, along with the fine folks here. Hope this helps with your problem, keep us posted with your progress. MOPARMAN ROLL TIDE