2000 18h.p. 2 stroke running issues

[jerkbait]

I recently purchased a boat with a 18 tohatsu. The motor has very low hours and and was weel maintained, how ever it sat for atleast 5 years. The motor had lack of power issues, idling, and some minor starting issues, so i cleaned the carb with dip solvent. The next trip the motor ran great!! however, the next day when I went to the lake it started with the same ole drivability issues as stated prior. So, again i cleaned the carb and it ran great until the next day and again.... same ole issues. This occured atleast 4 times since the first time. I figured I was picking up debris from somewhere, so i replaced the mail fuel house( tank to motor) and the 2 fuel lines on the motor, but still same issues? I recently was a automotive technician and everything tells me carb issue. I have great spark and compression, so it must be a fuel concern.....right? Could it be something with the tank? Also, ont the motor there appears to be a fuel filter houseing, but no filter in it just a metal screen, is this correct? help is great appreciated!

 

[jerkbait]

Are there any modifications i can make to this motor to get more out of it( once it does run) ?

 

[pvanv]

What is the exact model? Year does not matter for servicing. I'm thinking this may be something like an M18E2, right?