Just can't start...?? (5hp 4 stroke)

[tipit008]

Bought a used Mercury 5hp 4 stroke
Took it to the shop for a tune up and was told it "is one of the original Mercury 4-strokes"... (I now nothing about these...).
Got it tuned up and was told it's ready to go (that was about 2 months ago - just didn't get a chance to fire it up before now !)
Tried to start it but nothing.
Opened up the cover and there is gas flowing in the gas filter.
Took out the spark plug and there is ignition spark when I pull the chord.
The emergency stop thingy is in the "run" position.

Just wondering what I'm possibly missing or what else to look at to get this motor running.

Also, any insight on what model this is would be helpful. Looked for a "model plaque" like on Evinrudes or Johnsons but did not find any ??

 

[km1125]

You might want to post this in the "Honda & Tohatsu/Nissan Outboards" section. Those motors are built by Tohatsu for Mercury. It is an older vintage of that model, judging by the shift on the side. Some internal pictures would tell more, as they changed the ignition design from the initiol builds to later builds. The model number should be farther down on the transom clamp somewhere (I have some pics of an older one I had but can't find them right now). Sounds like the engine might be just flooded. Good that you have spark, as they rules out a lot. Was the spark plug wet when you pulled it? Were you trying with the choke open or shut? Just pull once or twice with the choke shut, then open it if you pull further or you'll likely flood it.

They are great motors. If it's "new to you" then consider replacing the water pump impeller before you find out the hard way that it's too old.

 

[Chris1956]

I worked on a small OB like that, but not sure of brand. It has an internal fuel tank and a fuel shut off valve. To repair it I dumped out the old fuel which was worse than bad, cleaned the carb and added new fuel.

I presume your fuel is on and of good quality?