more info I took my boat out on the ocean this weekend and headed towards the islands. Everything was running fine until about 17 miles out when it started sputtering. I was running at 4000 RPM's all the way out and the temp was very cool. I would give it a little more gas and it would take off again just fine. Not sure what the deal was but at times it sounded like it was going to die and then it would just take off again. It would happen every 10 minutes or so then it would work fine again. I usually get gas at a regular gas station but this time I filled up at the fuel dock. Maybe some bad gas? I also noticed alot of smoke from the motor this last trip, more than usual and it smelled very rich. I think I mixed it a little bit rich? Or could it be something else? <br />OK I did some investigating... I pulled all 4 plugs and did a compression test. All 4 cylinders measured 129 - 131 pounds.<br /><br />What got me is the condition of the plugs. Remember I said I was smoking alot from time to time like maybe a rich mixture? Well all the plugs were covered it what looked to be like a black tar, maybe burn oil gunk? I wiped them all off and ran the motor for 10 minutes and pulled them again. I did notice some smoke again. The plugs started to get this wet black liquid on then. To me, it appears to be oil? I have attached a picture of the plug after it was wiped off, then ran for 10 minutes. If in fact it is my mixture that is causing this, how can I rectify the problem? I have about a half tank of gas in the boat right now. Would I add more gas and mix very lean? <br /><br />I never had a problem in the past except for this last trip. <br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help,<br />Joey
