1998 70 hp Evinrude runs rough

[spotking]

Haven't had this motor long-- bought a family pontoon boat for fishing --compression 120 all cylinders---runs GOOD on full throttle-- cuts off in reverse or low throttle-- have run 20 gallons of ethanol free gas with SeaFoam -- I have rebuilt carbs on my chainsaw but never worked on a boat engine shops here are all backed up busy--- any thoughts appreciated --

[Alumicraft145]

Used boat. Start with the battery and connections. Make sure battery has required CA for that motor. ( dealers and owners have been known to get cheap with batteries). 23 year old boat, check fuel lines and filters. Might want to try and turn up idle speed a bit. Carb cleaning should be a winter project. Not mid june. Eth free gas and seafoam, keep up!! The fact it's running good wide open is good!! Quality oil, I used royal purple 2 stroke. My mid 90 s evinurudes could be very cranky in hot weather. " heat soak".

[omcforever]

Might want to try and turn up idle speed a bit.

Negative. Find out why it wont run right first before turning screws especially if you have no knowledge of outboards and and get a real OMC manual for your motor.

[spotking]

Okay got it to a reputable 2 stroke mechanic---he called today--says the problem is a dying VRO--needs to be replaced or bypassed with a kit. Does that sound like a reasonable suggestion for solving my motors problem? Thanks

[omcforever]

Okay got it to a reputable 2 stroke mechanic---he called today--says the problem is a dying VRO--needs to be replaced or bypassed with a kit. Does that sound like a reasonable suggestion for solving my motors problem? Thanks

Good thing you didnt start turning screws. Sounds plausible. Glad he found your issue.