first it worked...now it doesn't

dippingmytoe

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Joined
May 17, 2009
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I have a force 50 1987 outboard. Over the winter I had been regularly starting the engine in a bucket of water in my yard. Always starting and running and spitting water out the tell tale (same place as the exhaust). I put the boat in the water (salt) a week ago and motored it to my slip. All without incident.

Just yesterday I went to go start it up and it started very rough. The engine barely kept it's idle, knocking and jolting violently. I increased the idle speed, but it continued. I engaged the engine into gear and slowly added power and the engine cut out. I tried to start the engine again but it did not start. Even after waiting an hour or so the engine has not started.

Can any one suggest where I might start in trouble shooting this?

- the boat has one new coil put on months ago (and has run since then)
- the fuel is good and the primer bulb was full when started
- when the boat was launched a few days ago water was coming out the exhaust port (all seeming to be working well)

many thanks
 
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