possible choke stuck

[shredstick]

I just purchased a 1988 sea ray seville 16ft with a 100hp o/b. I took it out for the 1st time the other day and it ran great. Then anchored for a few hours, tried to start it and the battery went dead. Is it possible the choke is stuck now. Put a new battery in it and it will start and idle and run at low speed but when i give it more gas it doesn't want to build speed. It also smells rich and there is more exaust. Thanks for your help.

 

[Maritime Matt]

I work on outboards all day long and rarely do i ever see a stuck choke. Not to say it can't happen.
Sounds like the carbs might be dumping fuel, meaning the float/needle valve might be hanging up.
Has a Compression check been done before you bought it?
Is the fuel clean, fresh, no water in it?
If it has a water seperator on the boat, has it been changed?
Tune-up? Fresh spark plugs? NGK's are best.
I doubt your battery has any thing to do with the running issue. Let me know.
Matt.

 

[shredstick]

Thanks for the tips... compression is good and I just put 15 gallons of fresh fuel in it. I'll check the float this week. thanks again