1997 150 evinrude won't start

[seabassin]

the engine was running fine and when i slowed down it started missing and stalled. tried restarting will only start if you hold throttle wide open, runs 4-5 seconds and stalls. tried again runs 2 seconds backfires and stalls. checked and cleaned all plugs with same results, checked carbs, seem ok, what next??

[JB]

Moving to Evinrude Troubles

[Backlash]

Sounds fuel related to me. Is the fuel fresh? Check everything from the tank pickup to through the carbs. Backlash

[ezeke]

Next thing is check everything from the fuel tank to the carbs.

[ezeke]

Great minds run in the same ditch!

[seabassin]

yeah the gas is fresh, i ran the day before on it, as well as the morning, i know if you take the fuel line off the motor gas will run out like there's no tomorrow. took carbs off and i can hear the floats working, but is the needle valve seating?? don't know.

[Hooty]

Try using the primer button and see if you can keep it running with that. When it starts to die, bump the primer.c/6Hooty

[ob]

If what Hooty suggested allows the engine to continue to run without dying ,it is indicative of fuel restriction.Most likely carb related.If you can keep the engine running by simply pumping the primer bulb ,it is indicatve of a failing fuel pump.If bulb won't pump up firm before starting engine it is either defective,there is a fuel leak, or the carburetor float valves are not seating.

[seabassin]

i've tried all of that, actually when the engine quits the plugs end up soaked, like it's flooding. well too dark now to keep messin' with it.

[ob]

Try performing a spark test.At cranking speed with a fully charged battery,each plug lead should jump a 1/2 " arc to ground with a bright blue spark.

[ezeke]

Plugs are cheap, get a new set.

[seabassin]

i pulled one plug wire and it jumped 1\2 inch but it was a right sorry shade of yellow.

[ob]

If you are cranking engine over with a fully charged battery,weak ignition may very well be your problem.

[seabassin]

well its gonna have to wait until tomorrow but i appreciate the help, what's your opinion of the optical ignition system???