1989 60hp 2-Stroke OB Merc - Not running smooth

[Pusher]

Hi guys,

I have been rebuilding my 1971 Bellboy and took it out last summer for a "quick dip" 1:20 away. I can't quite remember but I think I choked it on a hot day which led me to a 30 minute wait while it fumed out the gas. I finally got it to leave the dock but when I gave it 10% throttle it would almost kick the motor. It wasn't a knock. It was almost like a backfire but it only did it about every 5-8 seconds. It would purr in between these intervals and then the engine would do one quick but solid jerking motion accompanied by a brief hesitation. I idled down and went back to dock.

It was about 95 F that day and had idled for about a minute (I was in a time crunch) before I puttered away from the dock and noticed this.

Any ideas where I should go from here? I'll be diving into the propulsion end of things in the next couple of weeks. I am wrapping up bow storage, fuel supply, down rigger plates and misc 5200 applications before this happens but I'm close
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Sorry I can't be more descriptive, just know it was a pretty noticeable and well defined hesitation.

 

[Pusher]

I also noticed that some of the wires under the cowling were bear of their shielding (Meaning it cracked off leaving the wires bare). I assumed this wasn't an issue since it powered up in neutral when I purchased it, but now I'm wondering if one of my cylinders is shorting out at higher amps...?

I'm more clueless when it comes to electrical so I apologize if I am misspeaking on the topic.

 

[Texasmark]

If you are going to rewire it, which sounds like the thing to do, get someone who is or get yourself educated. Good luck