Probably either a sticking choke or the carb needs another rebuild. As
suggested - spray it good w/ carb cleaner and try it.
As for plugs - They will easily last 2 years if you are not using the boat
every day.
Pull a couple and look at them. They should be fine but are probably black
from the rich condition.
As for plug wires - I would definetly be changing them unless they were
changed 2 years ago also.
I would purchase a set of Taylor Universal, V8, blue, Hi-Energy wires for
$30.00 from www.summitracing.com
These are 8mm wires that will probably outlast the boat at this point. You
will have to cut the end and fit to length but a standard wire crimper will
work for this.
Don't use the cheap $17.99 wires from AutoZone or Advance or Wal-Mart.
I would not spend $60.00 or more for a Merc set either.
You might also find them at a local performance auto/truck parts store.
Check the yellow pages.

I think the blue ones look cool - they even looked good on my cruiser.
However, I did put a set of red ones on my truck since it is red.
--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com

"Glenn Deneweth" wrote in message
...
I have a 230hp 305, with a Mercruiser Alpha 1 (1986) and this year when I
run the engine there are a strong smell of gas fumes, the engine is
running
rich. It also runs a little rough. Would turning the mixture screw fix
both of these issues? I had the carb rebuilt 2 years ago, and tuned up
the
engine the same time. It's not running that rough, and but rougher than
last year. How long do spark plugs and wire last? I also have electronic
ignition if that matters.

Thanks,

Glenn