Thanks, Kevin,

I am certainly saving this information for future use.

In the meantime, however, I discussed rebuilding the carburetor with an
engine rebuilder, and he interrogated me at length about my problem and
found it very puzzling. He did say, however, that a simple explanation could
be the richness or idle adjustment screws on the carb being out of whack (I
having been advised elsewhere "not to go near that carb!"). I backed these
two screws out a bit more (double-barreled carb) and the thing _seems_ to be
working normally again!

There's also an idle-adjustment screw on the actual shift-cable linkage, but
I'm talking about a spring-screw(s) lower down on the carburetor itself.

If it continues along like this, I'll perhaps still have the carb looked at
over the winter, but for the moment I don't want to tamper with success.

Wish me luck!

Charles

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Charles T. Low
www.boatdocking.com

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"Kevin & Debbie" wrote in message
...
Hi Charles
The actual R & R of the valve covers was easy enough and the cleaning of
the drain holes was a no brainer, but to get at the covers to take them
off my boat engines would be a rather large undertaking. The van engine
wasn't too bad. I have no idea if you can still buy brand new carburetors
or not, it may be an option. I had considered buying a brand new Holley
back in 1980 but decided to go with the "Factory Fresh GM Rebuilt", which
was junk. Apparently the most noticeable symptom of plugged drain holes
was the puff of blue smoke that would come out of the exhaust pipe when I
started the Van after it had sat for a while. I don't think I could see
that on my I/O's but you might on your inboard. Just guessing.
I would mention my experience to your mechanic to get his opinion.
Good luck and have a great long weekend.
Kevin