timjet said:
Can someone explain why I'm not getting voltage at the oil press switch (purple wire) with the key on??
Because without the engine running, there isn't any oil pressure to close the switch and complete a circuit.
I've read all the posts... Try not to overthink this. There are billions of carbureted engines out there that are not hard to start. If yours truly is that hard, then start from square 1....
1. Make sure you are starting it the correct way - If you are not, it will be hard to start.
2. Make sure the engine has good compression
3. Make sure the engine is in a good state of tune, and that the timing is spot on.
4. Make sure the carb isn't leaking down.
5. You have a low voltage issue that is making for slow engine cranking, or low voltage to the coil.
6. Make sure the quality of the fuel itself is good, and the fuel is reasonably fresh.
A carbs fuel bowl will hold enough gas to get it started for about a month. If you had hard starting but you only started the boat once every 3 months I can see the issue, the carb needs to re-prime. Other than that, if you are starting it multiple times within that month, then your problem is with one of the 6 items above.