Evinrude Fastwin

[PikeHunter]

I have a 1972 18hp Evinrude Fastwin on a 14' alumacraft. I have been having a few problems. One, sometimes when accelerating it will all of a sudden "slip". Its almost like it isn't even in gear. Is is just ventilation? The transom on my boat bends some (its rated up to 16hp) and do you think that is enough to unbalance the motor to suck air causing "ventilation"? Number two is more simple, what oil and fuel mixture do you recommend? The best I have found is a 50:1 mix with Valvoline 2cycle outboard motor. It runs good, but at start up it will huff and puff and sometimes kill. I have it set to as rich as the motor will allow, but I set that last October in 50 degree weather. I have tried numerous other oils, they all smoke and run bad. Should I stick with the Valvoline 50:1 combo?

[highcountry]

Not sure why your running so rich, might be a good reason for it starting and dying. As for the free spin, I'd check out the prop and see if it may have a problem.