I have a 1996 Yamaha V-Max 150hp outboard on an 18 ft Bomber boat. This motor runs good, but when I make a long run at a high speed the motor will, after a while, kind of bog down and not sound like it is running the same. After this is will also take longer to get on plane when taking off. Any ideas?

Cousin 2 I am not a mechanic; but, it sounds like your starved for fuel, maybe you need to replace your fuel line and bulb. I would try pumping up the bulb the next time it happens and see if that helps. Maybe one of the mechanics will chime in.

You may have a piece of trash in one of your carbs that gets trapped in a high speed jet causing a fuel restriction. You may need to have your carbs cleaned. Possible ign. problem after warmming up.

Tommy Yetts
Rockwall Marine

Thanks for the help. It also doesn't run very well at idle speeds. If it is just idleing it will run fine, but if i'm going real slow it tends to die. Could this be caused by the same thing?

Hey Cousin 2,

I'm running a 90 Yamaha Pro-V 150 with rebuilt powerhead on a Skeeter DF 175 18 footer. (Poor man's rig It's been running like a sewing machine ever since. I purchased a CLYMER Yamaha Outboard Shop Manual for about $25. It has saved me Scads of money over the 4 years I've had this rig. The preventative maintenance stuff and knowing how your OB works goes a long way in asking the Right questions when talking with your local mechanic.

After a $3000 Total Powerhead rebuild I asked questions of my Great Mechanic. The first one was "What octane gas should I run ?". His recommendation was 89 although All carbed Yamaha's are designed to run on 87. He also stated that 93 runs too hot. Then I asked "Is there anything else I can do to keep it dependable?". His recommendation was Ring Free. He stated that when they get a boat in their tank because of rough idle, and poor perfomance, they add a 2 ounces instead of one to 10 gallons (as stated on label). He stated that from a clean tank the water goes from clear to dirty in about 30 seconds. Carbon buildup being burnt off.

Last I would recommend Yamaha Ring Free. Merc, OMC, and others have their own version of it. This stuff is $37 a quart! Add one ounce per 10 gallons of fuel. It's cheap insurance.

Believe Me! I'm no advocate of anything that cost more to Fish. Just my 0.02 worth.

Good Luck