i went out this morning and my boat was running normal. I opened it up and when i came to a idle, it started running rough.I opened the engine compartment and it would make a clunking noise when i revved the motor. I had to turn the idle up just to keep it running. any suggestions? If the damper plate went out how could I tell? help me someone.

Suggest logging in over at <a href="http://www.tmcowners.com" target="_blank">www.tmcowners.com</a>. <BR> <BR>Post the year of your boat, motor, and symptoms. Lots of good help there.

tune up. change plugs, cap, rotor, wires, add electronic ignition if you dont have it. check timing. i will bet that will do it.

How long did it run at throttle? My first guess would be a plug of wire but it could be a great many things. Some not bad. <BR>Was the clunking noise related to RPM? ie.did it speed up with the engine?

if its got a carb your accelerator pump might have gone bad, if its hard to crank the first time and falls on its face when you revv it up its likely a problem in your carb.Aside from that i second 882001's suggestion tune that thing up, if the timings off you can make slight adjustments to it yourself , find the distributer on the intake and loosen but dont remove the bolt that holds it in , with the boat running grab distributer at the base and slowly turn it clockwise and see if the motors idle smooths out : make very very small adjusttments when you turn it and do it slowly

I wouldn't mess with the timing just yet. especially if the boat's been running fine all summer. how long since last carb maintenance? last fuel filter? <BR> <BR>Pull the plugs out and look at them. note <BR>any fouled plugs and what they look/smell like. <BR> <BR>Pull you cap and rotor and inspect contacts for rust or debris. <BR> <BR>Check all the basic stuff

yeah thats all it was. The tune up did it. I had some fouled plugs. runs like a champ. thanks