1998 15hp Evinrude

[skynard29]

I have a 1998 15hp Evinrude with a pull start. Took the motor out a couple weeks ago and it ran fine. Took it out a couple days ago and it lost power while running just got slow and the engine sounded like it was bogging down. I let off the throttle and the engine went dead. I haven't been able to get it to crank since. I have pulled the carb and cleaned out checked the float, choke and needle but this didn't help. We checked the bubble on the tank and checked the fuel filter to make sure it wasn't stopped up. The engine is getting fuel thru the carb this was verified by removing the plug from the bottom of the carb. and watching gas spurt out while pumping the bubble. We removed the plugs and checked to see that they would fire by putting them back in the plug wire and setting them up agianst a bolt they both will spark. Even tried to shoot a little gas into the plug hole and reinstalled the plugs still the motor will not start. A friend said to change the power pack but if I have fire would that mean the pack is good??? Just need some help any would be greatl appreiciated. Also cut the wires going out to the kill switch onthe handle thought they may be touching this didn't work either....

[WillyBWright]

Welcome to iboats. Did the motor lock-up when it died? When they overheat, they'll lose power until they sieze. Then they cool down again and things free-up, but the pistons are damaged. If that happens, the motor won't suck gas out of the carb to fire. You basically need 3 things. Fuel, spark, and compression. Sounds like you have 2 out of three for sure. Check for the third.

[cobra 3.0]

I'd be real surpirised if it locked up! That's not an old motor. ( I have the same one and absolutely love it!) Unless you forgot the mixing oil?Did you try fresh gas & oil? Maybe you have water in the tank? Also, I'd put new plugs. My two stroke ATV does the same thing when the plug is worn.

[skynard29]

Thanks Guys, I have put in new plugs and no I didn't forget to mix the gas. When themotor stopped it wasn't locked up or anything. The gas I was running was only 2 weeks old and the boat stays in the garage so I know it didn't get rain water inthe tank. As for compression goes I don't have a test kit for that but I know if you putyour finger over the spark plug hole and pull therope it will blow yourfinger off the hole.

[JB]

Try the "Outboard wont start" article in Engine FAQs, skynard.

[ob]

Originally posted by skynard29: The engine is getting fuel thru the carb this was verified by removing the plug from the bottom of the carb. and watching gas spurt out while pumping the bubble.

That doesn't mean that you're getting fuel "thru" the carb ,but rather "to" the carb while pumping the primer bulb.If sparkplug leads will jump a 7/16" gap to ground while cranking/pulling , and compression is good ,you likely have a fouled/restricted carburetor,or fuel delivery issue.

[OBJ]

I think you need to do a compression test and get good readings on the holes. Even with 10 or 15psi, it'll blow your finger off the hole but won't hardly be enough to pull the fuel in through the carb.And do verify that you have good spark. Just seeing a small spark across the gap of a spark plug really means nothing. You got to verify that the spark will jump at least a 7/16" gap with a hot lighting like spark.If you have both good compression and spark....then look at the fuel system.