I have looked through the forum and can't find a problem exactly like mine. This is my first post. I will try to be concise. 2001 Tracker Party Deck with a 4.3, 2 barrel, alpha one. Engine # OM060235. Bought it in Feb. this year. Ran great, idled very smooth with strong acceleration. Had the out drive serviced and checked. Mechanic said that the engine was not the original, but it all looked fine. The only issue at that time was that the oil looked fine on the dip stick but it was actually sludge when drained. Worst I have ever seen. I changed the oil and filter three times with a half hour run on the lake in between. Also changed the fuel filter and cleaned the intake flame arrester. Been to the lake for 2-3 hours a half dozen times since, then it started idling rough. It bogs a little on takeoff, but runs at speed as good as before. I have to nurse it to keep it running till it warms up, but the idle stays rough. I have been out twice with the rough idle which remains consistent. Pulled plug wires one at a time while it was idling and not one on the starboard bank had a noticeable affect. Pulled the port bank and every one had a noticeable effect. Pulled the plugs and noticed they were the 100,000 mile type gaped at around 0.060". Ran a compression check. I had one 190 psi and one 170 psi and the other four were around 180. Installed the correct AC plugs gaped 0.045" and she idled just as rough. I changed the oil again and it still looks like a chocolate milkshake. Poured up a quart glass jar that shows no evidence of water 3 days later. Oil pressure is 35-40 at idle and 55-60 wot. I can't be sure, but the exhaust may be louder when on the hose now than before the idle got rough. What now? Will the exhaust manifold fail inside while not leaking outside and cause this? Maybe one side of the carb idle circuit? Cap and rotor? I hate to be a parts changer if someone can give me a lead. Sorry for the long post, but I tried to cover everything. Thanks, Cliff, P.S. Great Forum
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