1987 20hp Mercury wont start/hard starting

[jdb_2521]

1987 20 hp Mercury pull start
I launched my boat last weekend, cranked in three pulls(25 degree weather). I parked my truck, hopped in the boat and now it wont crank. I checked the carb and rebuilt it, its firing(not sure how strong, but will jump out of the end of the plug wire boot with a blue flame), and after pulling the rope 20-30 times, I pulled the plugs and they are wet. So I believe I getting plenty of fuel and fire but it will not start. Throughout the week, I have tried to crank it occassionally. Yesterday it cranked right up, but after it sat for a hour it would not run again. Any ideas?

[water world]

check kill switch. disconnect black and yellow wire on switch box. have in water or pull plugs to check ok.

[jdb_2521]

i have a parts motor that i changed the kill switch out with on sunday. i couldnt see any water on the plugs. ill go unhook the wire and try to crank it.

[jdb_2521]

ok, unplugged the wire and pulled it 15-20 times, pulled the plugs again and they are saturated with fuel. no water as far as i can tell. im guessing i unplugged the right wire?(the black/yellow one that is clipped on the side of the switchbox)
Could the switchbox be bad? the one on my other motor looks like it is brand new

[Mi duckdown]

Do mean start? Crank and start are 2 different things. It won't start? you are pulling a cord?

[jdb_2521]

Do mean start? Crank and start are 2 different things. It won't start? you are pulling a cord?

its a pull start engine(no electrical starter). Crank and start mean the same to me, I guess you will have to explain the difference so I can pick which one I mean.

[jdb_2521]

Ok, If I spray fuel mixture in the front of the carb, it cranks right up and runs as long as I let it. It will crank right back up with every pull thereafter. Do yall think I have something stopping up my carb somewhere, and would seafoam be my best bet.

[Mi duckdown]

I think you are in need of a enrichter rebuild, comes with carb kit. not sure if you can buy it seperate.
Are you choking it correctly?
I believe on that Year, you pull the choke a couple times in and out, that pushes the enricher button/Choke, which puts fuel into the carb for starting.
Pull the cover off and see what it does when pulling on the choke knob.

[jdb_2521]

I think you are in need of a enrichter rebuild, comes with carb kit. not sure if you can buy it seperate.
Are you choking it correctly?
I believe on that Year, you pull the choke a couple times in and out, that pushes the enricher button/Choke, which puts fuel into the carb for starting.
Pull the cover off and see what it does when pulling on the choke knob.

I replaced it a few days ago when I rebuilt the carb. That is correct on my motor, I usually pull the choke knob in and out 2-3 times and within three pulls its running. I cant see any fuel coming out when cycling the choke in and out. I have another one , so I will replace it again and see if that works.
Thanks

[Mi duckdown]

I would not replace it again. if is not leaking. Two or three pulls ain't bad on the rope. BUT check to see if you also have to keep the choke knob out to advance the spark for starting.
You have to look into the carb when hitting the button. you will see a mist of fuel. You can hit the button with your finger and see it

[jdb_2521]

Just an update. I ran 3 gal thru my motor with seafoam in it on saturday. It seems to have corrected my problem, my motor has started within two pulls ever since. I wanted to say thanks for the ideas.

Another question someone might answer is: What compression reading should I expect when pull starting my motor?