is it the starter, carb or something else?

I have a Johnson Seahorse V4, 85hp. I bought it a couple weeks ago and it was running when I went to see the boat. Now that I brought it home it will not stay running unless starter spray is being sprayed into the carb. We have a brand new battery, the fuel line is clear and so it the filter. There is a small gas leak, but I don't think that is causing it not to run by itself b/c it ran by itself a few weeks ago. When it ran a few weeks ago, the person used a jump pack b/c the battery was dead. So I was thinking that it is the starter since it runs when we use starter spray and when using a jump box the starter is over-ridden, right? Or could the carb just need a good cleaning? Or is it something else that we are completely overlooking.<br /><br /><br />I'd really like to get the boat in the water, so any help is much appriciated.

Re: is it the starter, carb or something else?

First off, it's not the starter. If the starter is cranking the engine, it's fine.<br /><br />Second off, don't use starter fluid in this engine. It lacks lubricant and will damage the engine. Instead, use pre-mixed fuel and oil, just like you will run in the engine. Just put some in a spray bottle.<br /><br />Where is the gas leak you mentioned? Do you have good hoses and bulb and is there fresh fuel and oil mix in the tank?<br /><br />What is the model number on your 85 hp? You can find it on the transom mount.

Re: is it the starter, carb or something else?

The gas leak is at I think it's called the T valve or something like that. It's the hose that runs from the carb to the engine and only leaks when the motor is running. It's a very small leak, the hose and sealing things need to be replaced. And like I said it ran before with the leak. Other than that small hose, the other hoses are good along with the bulb and we did use fresh gas and oil.

Re: is it the starter, carb or something else?

Hmmm....this hose runs from the carburetor to the engine? To what part of the engine? I suspect it goes to the fuel pump.<br /><br />If the engine is running when you spray fuel into the carburetor, then this sounds very much like a fuel delivery problem. Start at the carburetor and work backwards, checking for proper fuel flow as you go. <br /><br />You can disconnect the hose that goes from the fuel pump to the carb(s), then turn the engine over with the starter. Fuel should come out of that hose (put it in a bottle to catch the fuel). If so, the problem probably lies in the carb(s). If not, it's further back in the system. Remove the line from the fuel fitting at the fuel pump, then pump the bulb. If fuel comes out of that hose, then the problem is the fuel pump.<br /><br />If not, then continue to work back until you find the point where no fuel emerges.<br /><br />It's just a process of elimination.