I have used this motor for several years and it has always run great. I started missing last fall (hitting on one cylinder on and off) then died completely ? I had to come in using my electric trolling motor. I have tried to start it this spring but no success so far. I have put in new plugs, mixed new fuel, taken the carb off and cleaned it twice (the first time the needle appeared to be stuck shut). I did my best to inspect the reed valves while I had the carb off (I used a bright light and a probe to check each one as I rotated the crank shaft to give ?access? to each one). The switch box white wire had all the insulation burnt off of it so I replaced the switch box. There was a small tubing running vertically on the fuel pump side (1/8? diameter or smaller) that was cracked/broken so I replaced it (it appeared to be a crank case equalizer?/bleeder?/fuel drain?). I pulled the flywheel to check the key way and key. The compression is 141psi and 145psi. I checked the timing with a light while cranking it and it is good (5deg btdc). I have force fed it fuel down the carb throat while cranking even tried starting fluid a couple times. It has great spark at the right time, good compression, my main suspicion is fuel. I have pulled the plugs several times and they were slightly wet with fuel but not like I would expect considering how much fuel I was attempting to feed it. It did fire one time after I cleaned the carb the first time. I had it off the boat and had it hot wired ? I had to shut it down with the choke. It has not fired since then other than what sounds like slight dieseling when I have cranked it for a long time. I am thinking that I may have a large crank case leak that is preventing fuel from making it to the cylinders. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated!
