Re: 1996 Johnson 115hp FastStrike
when you go cheap on an outboard, expect cheap results, you need the revcommended plugs, Champion QL78YC, gapped at .030. NAPA, has the plugs, or can have them i 6 hours.
the reason i said check compression and spark now, is to find out what it doing NOW, last fall is in the past, and makes no difference.
running a motor when something is possibly wrong, can be a very expensive mistake. stop and find out what the problem is, or you could be rebuilding or replacing.
get you compression #'s and do the spark check every auto parts store sells these:
http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_name_Lisle-Ignition-Spark-Tester_item_372001.html?source=froogle
get one, and set it at 7/16 inch, you spark should jump the gap, and be blue.
post your results, and we will go from there.