runs but....

[JustBoats1974]

I have an mercruiser 888. Runs fine in the driveway. in the water is a different story tho. Goes into gear ok but as soon as i give it gas it spit sputters & dies. so here the question i have.. i have a vacuum advance distributor & an aftermarket carb autoline c886a w vacuum ports everwhere. & the choke is not electric. so do i put the choke & the vacuum advance to the intake& plug all the other ports? the serial number is 3415417. & i think its 1971-77 302 w a 351 firing order

 

[bondo]

i have a vacuum advance distributor & an aftermarket carb autoline c886a w vacuum ports everwhere. & the choke is not electric. so do i put the choke & the vacuum advance to the intake& plug all the other ports?

Nope,.... Vacuum distributers don't belong in a boat...

Sounds like yer Lower Shift Cable is Bad, killin' the motor...

Have ya done Any diagnosin',..??