1996 Force 40 Hard Starts and Will Not Idle

[JDusza]

Hi. Hope yo're well. It's been a few weeks.....
I'm looking at a 1996 Force 40 hp that has a hard time starting and will not idle.
Controls have to be at high idle for it to start and when it's throttled back it stalls. The only way I've been able to use it is to rev it before shifting. This isn't healthy...
When the engine starts to falter and choke is applied, it stalls. I expected the performance to improve with the choke and I got the totally opposite results. To me that indicates it has excessive fuel like the float is sinking and it's choking out.
Adjusting the mixture screw doesn't seem to gain consistent results. You may play with the adjustment and think you have a nice idle but after the engine shuts down it will not restart.
I am going to pull the carb again and pay particular attention to the float.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
J

 

[roscoe]

Another cause of severe flooding is a torn or perforated fuel pump diaphragm.
This is a maintenance item that should be replaced every 10-12 years.
Chances are that you still have the original in that engine.

These diaphragms did not hold up well against the ethanol in our modern gas.

The kit is under $20 from any Merc dealer.

 

[JDusza]

Thank you. I'll take a look at the fuel pump.

 

[JDusza]

Well, here we are.
I looked the fuel pump over and it looks fine.
By manipulating ignition timing and idle speed I had the unit running and was able to take a low speed cruise for about a mile. Then the engine died and has not restarted since. I am able to confirm no spark to either cylinder, tested with an air gap tester at 3 mm gap.
I disconnected the black/yellow wire which I think is the ignition kill and still no spark. It's not likely both coils went at the same time.
Where might I go next?
Thanks,
J

 

[JDusza]

No takers? Oh, well ...

 

[jerryjerry05]

Remember people off for the 4th?
I'm usually on here about every morning and this is the first time I've seen this???
You have a serial # or model# ??
They made 5 different models and some had different ignition systems.

At first it sounded like the primer system was failing or the diaphragm??
You do a compression test?

You absolutely sure it has no spark?
Change the plugs and try again?

Usually both packs don't go?

http://www.outboardignition.com/tips.asp has test procedures for your motor.
The base tests can be done with an analog meter but the more advanced need a DVA
or a peak reading volt meter.

Do the compression and spark tests, post the results.

Check the primer system. U-tube has some video's with tests.

 

[JDusza]

Thank you very much, jerryjerry05.
This one's 1996. Serial number 0E188532.
Compression test = 140 psi top, 135 psi bottom.
Absolutely no spark. Air gap spark tester set at 3mm to coax it: nothing. verified test tool good.
I did change the plugs without effect.
Going after rectifier, stator and trigger. I spent a few minutes over the phone with cdi and we went over what to test, how to test and what the results mean.
You are correct. Both coils could not have failed concurrently.....
Thank you,
J

 

[JDusza]

Measured stator resistance, green/white to white/green, at 110-111 ohms . Was expecting 800+ according to cdi troubleshooting guide. Ordered new stator. Hopefully, rectifiers are still good.
J