| Weak tell‑tale or overheat alarm |
Inspect intake screens, pump impeller, and thermostat; verify hose routing after service. |
Water pump kit, thermostat, intake screen, gaskets |
| Poor acceleration / power loss |
Check fuel quality, water in separator, clogged filters, carb sync/idle mixture, and ignition condition. |
Fuel filters, spark plugs, carburetor components, fuel lines |
| Hard starting / rough idle |
Verify choke/enrichment function, primer bulb integrity, plug gap, and air leaks at fuel fittings. |
Spark plugs, fuel filter, primer bulb/lines, choke/enrichment parts |
| Excessive smoke |
Confirm premix ratio or injection setting, thermostat operation (engine reaching temp), and prolonged cold idle. |
Thermostat, spark plugs, oil pump/linkage, fuel/oil hoses |
| Gearcase noise or metal in gear oil |
Check prop for fishing line, drain oil to inspect for water/metal, verify correct shimming after service. |
Gear oil, drain/fill gaskets, lower unit seal kit, bearings |