Re: OMC 3 cylinder "loopers"

[Don]

OK, understand now….
Like you say, you have experience with this set up now….
The 3cylinder engines have unique running qualities, you can not really compare them to other models in the line up. The do idle "differently", which some might interpret as a "bad idle". These engines are surely not going to have the mid range power of the V4s, but might outrun them at WOT in some cases. A lack of midrange power would only be a complaint of a boat that squats or is hard to plane off, but V4s would have the same struggles due to their extra weight. This series of 3cylinder engines does not have tilt shock absorbers, so it is relatively easy to tilt up, but don’t let it drop on its own when you tilt it down.
The original plugs for these engines were "surface gap", they did tend to foul easily at lower speeds. The j gapped L77jc4 plugs solve this problem. The surface gap plug will outlast the j gap plugs if used for extended high speed running though, such as racing or a hydroplane.
I’m hoping the gear lube is clean and you have good spark on this engine….