1980 evinrude 20hp no start hard to pull over

[liftemhi]

hay ya'll i'am new here. i have rebuilt snowmachine,s quads, truck engines but not to much on outboards. i trying to help out a friend with his e20crcsa 1980 20hp evinrude outboard. it was running ok, but now its hit and miss. i checked the spark lots of spark, cleaned the carb. compression is 85psi in each. its pulls over real well kicks and then its really hard to pull over . then i removed the plugs and it pulls over fine put them back in and get about 2 or 3 good pulls then you can hardly pull it over again. i put gas in the cylinder and it kicks but wont run some time it back fires. i'am at a loss with it. would anybody have an idea please also there look like something is missing on the head side of the engine just under the recoil (i'll post a pic soon)

 

[racerone]

Check the flywheel key.----Costs no money to check it.

 

[tphoyt]

Agreed. Did you know if they hit something in the water?

 

[liftemhi]

Key checked ok.

 

[liftemhi]

Prop turns easy by hand.and turns the motor when in gear.as far as I know they did not hit anything

 

[racerone]

Have to start somewhere.----Drain inspect gear oil.------Perhaps remove lower unit and see if it is easier to pull over.-----Is the recoil starter properly timed ?-----Yes there is such a thing.

 

[liftemhi]

I removed the bottom end totally same thing.

 

[racerone]

Is the recoil properly timed ?-----Or find an electric start kit ( donor motor ) there are lots around.

 

[liftemhi]

yes it is.and iam looking for a starter for it.