'95 Johnson 175 Intermittent Flooding (?)

[ajv00303]

Have twin '95 175 Johnsons.
When trolling (w/ 2 engines) 1 engine seems to "load-up" and start to sputter and smoke more while in gear. if I shift into neutral the idle rpms shoot to ~2K.......and eventually "clears-out" and will run fine at 4K cruise again.
Any ideas on what this could be?

 

[faztbullet]

A air leak in fuel line can cause this..

 

[ajv00303]

anywhere in particular?
under the hood or anyplace between the tank and engine? I ask because I have dual tanks and am wondering if it could be before the valve to switch between the tanks?

 

[ajv00303]

Found this brass fitting loose on a hose that is connected to one of the fuel rails going to the carbs.
It was definitely loose......maybe a 1/2 turn. I had to us pliers, couldn't get a wrench on it w/o taking part of the fuel system apart!
I am hoping this loose fitting was the problem I was having with what appeared to be a "flooding" problem.
Didn't do any "testing" yet.......will report back either way.

Thanks for the suggestion!