Rough Idle-choke issue?

[Robalo]

2008 VMax 150 carbed. motor ran fine until a month ago-started getting hard to start and rough idle, so replaced plugs, started better but idles rough even after warmed up. When I push down on key while putting down canal, rpm jumps 1000 up and motor sounds and runs great for about 1 minute then goes back to rough, then push key choke again and then runs fine.

Before I tear down the carb covers and spray the heck outta it with carb cleaner (which means trailer it and unscrew all covers to get at carbs), I wanna know if it's possibly an electrical choke issue or probably (hope) just a sticking choke which will be good when cleaned real well with carb cleaner spray. Motor runs fine at WOT or anywhere in between. Plugs are gapped correctly (0.40).

TXShockwave-your thoughts are most appreciated.

[C4E]

Dadgum Ethanol

[WestEndAngler]

Use Stabil next time

[Robalo]

It aint the gas-ran thru a tank or 2 since then (unless JT is buying crapgas and I know he aint), plus I replaced the fuel/water separator and I don't think I intook any dyed shrimp from Clark08 or GHSmacker, so pretty sure it's the choke.

Trying to find out if it's electric choke-if it is, then spraying 10 cans of gumout won't do sheeet.

If it's them GD dyed shrimps, wait til I run into them guys-I'll pm WestBayCrabber (he's my bud ya know) and have him run through dana's first thing at sunrise looking for "atm" shirts and caps!!

[FlatoutFishin]

Robalo...does it have a EIM(?) Electronic ignition module? probably not since its carbed...but if that isn't getting the full 12v it could act up. I had similiar issue and was assured by one mechanic that it was my ignition, when it actually all it was was a bad connection from my battery to my engine...was getting maybe 10v due to corrosion. New cables and sucker ran like a scalded ape and no issue with starting, backfiring or anything. Course, now I have a new ignition too!

[Beandaddy]

Carb jets plugged. Choke is doing what is supposed to do. Put some Sheeit through the gas and see. 2+4 fuel conditioner or seafoam. Last time I worked on a carbed outboard I put carb kits in it and then had to get them synchronized. Worked fine after that and still is after about 10/12 years.
Beandaddy

[Robalo]

Added seafoam after spraying down the carbs with gumout. Ran some saturday in the wind but not too much-did seem to show some improvement. Will run it hard this coming weekend and add more seafoam.

Thanks all.

[Muddskipper]

If you use to much of that stuff you will cook your power head, so be careful and follow the directions .... ahh what am I saying ..... pour that crap in their and push some wakes in that canal

[gregr1971]

Ever get this lined out?