Carburetors off 5 times ???-----Some say that ---" most carburetor issues turn out to be something else"-----I recall 2 old guys coming into the Johnson dealer 50 years ago.---Said they could not get the carburetor on a 7.5 HP Evinrude adjusted.------A teenage mechanic ( me ) threw it in the...
Get the repair kit for that electric primer valve.----Easy to install .-----Test run.-----The red lever is in the run and not in the manual operation position ?
When you push in the key the electric primer VALVE opens.-----This puts fuel directly into the engine.----This fuel bypasses the float bowls and metering circuits.-----This suggests to me that you need to revisit carburetor work and adjustment.
Shipping and labor will exceed the cost of a replacement.-----Going with a GPS speedometer will eliminate water altogether.-----But if you are attached to this speedometer then it might be repairable with a dab of epoxy.
Remember that rated towing capacity is for a vehicle in new condition.------Some of us live in areas where salt is thrown on roads.----A 10 year old frame / hitch may be compromised.
Well 3 bolts to take it off the engine.----Then 2 bolts to take starter apart.-----Mark ( they have notches ) the upper and lower covers.---Modified paint scraper or assistant with 2 knives to assemble it again.----All easy in my opinion of course.
See post #22-----When thrust bearing fails the pinion moves up.-----It was not properly meshed-----The pinion gear looks to be scrap to me.----But post some more pictures if you like.----Good luck finding a good used lower unit.
You need a set of gears !!----Pinion and forward at least.----Need tools or take to a shop to shim driveshaft / pinion gear,---Post picture of driveshaft surface below the thrust bearing !----New bearings too.
Some will argue.-----I would do the following.-----Have battery load tested even if it is new.------Take starter apart for inspection / cleaning / ohm test on armature/ perhaps new brushes.-----Brushes I install are $6.50 so not much money spent !!
There was a plastic washer installed at the factory.-----On top of the water tube.----On severe overheat it could melt and block waterflow.----Factory replacement ( have them on hand ) now is phenolic.----