Every time I cold start the motor it backfires a few times, then backfires and runs briefly a few times, then finally catches properly and runs smoothly. On the test run (motor hiccuped and cut out under load, maybe it still does). I was putting along at approximtely 5 knots for about 10 minutes and the motor developed more smoke than usual, after a further 5 minutes it just stopped, it wouldn't start straight away but after a few minutes I primed fuel and it started and run about 3 seconds. Tried again and again and it caught briefly a few times then battery ran flat. I recently replaced the impeller and water is flowing terrific. I have taken it to a mechanic and he says it's getting no spark, this does not sound right to me as it caught a few times on the water, also recently put new plugs in and compression is virtually perfect. Is this mechanic having a lend of me?? And my guess is a fuel problem, the dollars are adding up, any advice would be appreciated.
