1987 Evinrude V4 VRO engine acceleration problem

[kstolting]

Hi, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for the following problem:

1987 Evinrude V4 120 Hp VRO. It starts and idles fine. When I push the throttle forward it accelerates quickly to about 2000 rpm, then starts to stumble. If I advance the throttle more it will eventually quit, but if I push in on the choke button while it 'stumbles', it will jump to 2500 rpm and then continue to accelerate normally. Does this whether it's cold or hot. Compression on all four cylinders is 120 pounds plus or minus a pound. I cleaned the fuel filter, adjusted the linkage per the manual, set idle timing to 4 degrees, gas is fresh, new plugs too. I'm thinking along the lines or rebuilding the carbs, maybe a sticking float? I've pretty much ruled out the VRO pump because the motor will run strong after that push of the choke button. However I'm open to any advice. Thanks in advance.

[JoshKeller]

When using the choke improves the problems, its generally fuel related. I'd be its the carbs.

[noelm]

you can almost bet it has absolutely nothing to do with the VRO, as mentioned, if it is OK with choke, it is a carb issue, get them rebuilt properly, get the VRO serviced, and do the plugs and so on as well, and it will be fine.

[kstolting]

Thanks guys, pretty much confirmed what I thought all along. The carb kits got here today, so off to work I go.