Your donation will be letting us all know the outcome of your efforts....
You still have to prove once and for all what year and size of the motor.
If you can not read the serial number on the frame, there is also a serial number (different number) on the power head. I am not at work (and will not be for until next year) to check this for sure, but the serial number may be behind some of the parts on the engine. The following is a picture, than indicates where the two serial numbers are located on that engine.
As for the documentation on how to identify the carburetor and also how to get the carburetor cleaned, I am going to refer you to the Honda Carburetor Manual. The information that you need is in the supplement, which addresses the newer carburetor, which I think you have.
Unfortunately, it is about $40, but will show you step by step with very clear pictures as to how to identify each passage and get it thoroughly cleaned. Honda sells them on ebay and amazon. Here is the link to Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Honda-Marine-...1AFO/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A14VJQOXKKYWSY I think you will see what we are saying that just spraying a little carb cleaner on it will be of little use.
It will also provide you with the "official" information for court, not something that was just pulled off the internet. It will give you the most credibility. My advice though, if you are going to court, document each meeting, phone call, etc...that way you are not just making accusations, but presenting facts, as you know them.
If you can find the serial number on the powerhead, you should be able to call Honda and have them email you the unit information (model, frame serial number, year, etc). Again...another "official" source of information.
Customer Relations number is 770-497-6400. They will also be able to tell you the name of the original owner. Unfortunately, I do not have a way to look up that info with the engine serial number on the power head.
Mike