I have an 08 35hp Vangaurd longtail and have ben having some problems with it as of lately. It will crank right up but doesn't seem to be running as many rpm's as normal. When on the water it will run fine for a while and start choking down and will not get back up on plane it aslo blows some black smoke. I've ran sea foam through it and that hasnt helped much. Do you guys think it is an ethanol related problem or something bigger? I would have already taken it to the shop but the guy to go to just had knee surgery, thanks for any help!

I would say check your choke and make sure it is fully disengaging, this happened to me, choke was real loose and started closing after a little run time....might help might not

Alright I'll check it out, I have had some trouble with the hook on the pull-knob coming loose so that may be it! Thanks for the response!

Could also be valve seals.......