1989 force 50 hp will not start

[buckeyb]

Hi, I have a 1989 force 50 hp, purchased recently. I started it last week for the first time . It was not easy to start but eventually went and idled. Checked the water pump and replaced the impeller. Now cannot get the thing to start. New plugs, fresh mix 50:1, fully charged battery. It coughs, spits and ocasional backfire. Took carb apart, cleaned and reassembled(it was pristine clean). I am an Auto tech but am foreign to marine equip. Is there anything associated with the shifter that can cut out the ignition!.(side panel is loose). Has me baffled. Can you help.

 

[Jiggz]

Make sure you follow correct starting procedures:
1. Prime the fuel lines with the primer bulb until firm
2. Place control lever in fast idle (either push a center button or pull handle outward towards you and push fwd)
3. Engage choke by pushing in ignition switch
4. Keep pushing in ignition and turn to start motor
5. If motor will not start but coughs, try starting again but without the choke. You can choke maybe no more than 2 times to prevent flooding

If it will not start still, check the carb's idle mixture screw (brass screw with spring on it) and make sure it is set at least 1~ 1-1/8 turn out from lightly seated. To do this turn the screw clockwise (CW) until it bottoms out - do not tighten or force down) and then turn counter CW 1~1-1/8 turn out. At the same time verify the idle screw located at the bottom of the timing tower is pushing against the engine block. But you can set this later after you start your motor.