Force/U S Marine 15 hp won't start

[Oldgrump]

My 15 hp Force/USMarine has good spark and seems to get fuel fine, but won't start. I can get it to fire for about 10 seconds, but that is it.

Force Model 152F7A Serial 2938

I am new here, and any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[jerryjerry05]

1987
If it runs for 15 seconds? then quits, that sounds like a fuel delivery problem.
The fuel line where it goes into the motor, that connector has a rubber seal that goes bad and allows the motor to suck air and die.
Another problem might be the float in the carb isn't set right and runs itself out of fuel.
When pumping the ball, does it get hard? No/ the fuel pump might have a bad diaphragm, check it.

 

[Oldgrump]

The previous owner claimed that it was hard to start, but once started would run all day. it was running when I arrived to buy it.

 

[jerryjerry05]

He probably used starting fluid on it???
When looking at any boat/motor I always tell the seller to don't start it until I get there.
When I get there I touch the motor to see if it's hot. If it is I walk away.
It could be a good motor but the owner's hiding something.

 

[Oldgrump]

I understand that the responders think I was taken. I still need some suggestions on how to get it to start and run.

So far I have spark, cleaned the carb, and gotten fuel to the carb. Any suggestions?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Did you check the things I posted before?
(The fuel line where it goes into the motor, that connector has a rubber seal that goes bad and allows the motor to suck air and die.
Another problem might be the float in the carb isn't set right and runs itself out of fuel.
When pumping the ball, does it get hard? No/ the fuel pump might have a bad diaphragm, check it.)
You said it started, just won't keep running?
Compression? The fuel pump won't work right if the compression is off.
The ball, has a check valve, if it's bad it won't work right.