Johnson 200 Venom performance issues.

[DareDevil84]

I have a 1998 Johnson J200STLECE 200hp on a Sprint 207 FS. I am only getting 4800 to 5000 rpm at wide open throttle. Speed on GPS is 49mph calm and boat empty. Take off is sluggish and seems to run rough 2000-3500rpm range. Motor smokes a lot until warmed up. Carbs have been cleaned, gas is fresh, Motor idles but occasionally dies. I bought this bought in January and haven't had time to mess with it until recently. Any help will be much appreciated.

[racer]

Start by checking compression and spark. Make sure all 6 butterflies are opening. Verify timing is moving when you push down the throttle.

[DareDevil84]

I have checked timing it is correct and advances when I throttle up. Spark is good and butterflies open. I have not done a compression check yet. I will do that when I get a chance to work on it in a few weeks. Thanks for the pointers I have been getting pretty frustrated after all the work I have put into this boat, but for $400 I'll keep tinkering with it.

[DareDevil84]

Ok after reading and following suggestions and doing compression check I double checked everything did a link and sink. Then just for grins I changed the spark plugs and realized whoever owned it put the wrong plugs in. So now I am getting RPM up to 6k. I think the stingray hydrofoil is creating a lot of drag slowing boat down. Motor still smokes a lot and I noticed mixed fuel in the fuel filter as if pump is bleeding back after it mixed. Engine is smoking a lot and gets horrible fuel efficiency. Any suggestions?

[Revenge22]

this is very old but check that ALL recirculation valves on the intake manifold and flowing OUT only. if not it will smoke and stumble like crazy. Also make sure its getting up to 130+ degrees when warm. if not, you might have a leaking blowoff valve and/or t stat housing.

[perfmarine1]

Are you running the VRO system? Sounds like you are, you may want to try elect pump and get rid of that if pump is leaking back or replace with new.