I have a 1978 merc 1400 that I got from a friend a couple years ago. I've had it out on the lake ten or twelve times since I have had it. The problem I am having is that it's very hard to start. The only way I can get it started is by using the choke and using the throttle at the same time. Once it starts I have to leave the throttle open just a hair until it warms up. Which usually takes awhile. Even then it's very hard for it to take the fuel. Sometimes dies and has to be restarated and idled again for a few seconds. When it does take the fuel it's very sluggish at first like it's running too rich. Full throttle position only gets half throttle rpm. After a few more minutes it starts to pick up and really take off. It will then run really well for half an hour or so. Then as your going down the lake with it opened up really good it will fall on its face again for awhile and then pick back up in 5 minutes or so. It's like this all day with it. The boat had sit awhile before I got it and I replaced the needle valves n seats last summer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.