1990 Merc 8hp won't start or fire

[Putzaroni1]

I am pretty new to Mercs but have been digging here and can't find anyone with the same issue. I'm probably missing it but here is the situation. I have our 8hp kicker for our boat and fogged it 2 winters ago. We didn't try to start it last year at all. I pulled it out and put it on the boat hoping to just fire it up but nothing. I then took it home and about 3 hours later tested for spark and while testing it, 2nd pull it fired right up but I didn't have it in water so it ran for about 30 or 40 seconds till I found the on/off switch. The next morning I figured it would just be a matter of putting it in the tank and letting it burn off the fogging oil and while it did start briefly, once it stalled I have not been able to get it to fire again or even sputter.

Here's what I've tried.

1) I put my spark gap tester on and it has a strong spark from both cylinders with a good snap about 5/16ths inch

2) I replaced the plugs with the original champions even though the other ones were pretty clean

3) I poured a little bit of fuel into the spark plug holes and still no firing or sputtering.

It's like the on/off switch is in the off position.

This thing was all tuned up and running perfectly when I put it to bed with the fogging oil.

What else can I try ?
Thanks for any suggestions

 

[Putzaroni1]

Re: 1990 Merc 8hp won't start or fire

I was planning on pulling the carb off and cleaning it but if pouring fuel directly into the cylinders doesn't cause it to at least sputter, it must be something else.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: 1990 Merc 8hp won't start or fire

If this one has a kill switch (button) on the end of the tiller handle check the wires at the hinge point, they tend to short out there, this can give an intermittent spark.

Also you can pick up some starting fluid designed for 2 strokes, it has oil in it so it's safe, you might give that a try, just a small amount though. Sometimes putting fuel directly into the spark plug holes will flood the motor instantly and it won't run.

 

[Putzaroni1]

Re: 1990 Merc 8hp won't start or fire

If this one has a kill switch (button) on the end of the tiller handle check the wires at the hinge point, they tend to short out there, this can give an intermittent spark.

Also you can pick up some starting fluid designed for 2 strokes, it has oil in it so it's safe, you might give that a try, just a small amount though. Sometimes putting fuel directly into the spark plug holes will flood the motor instantly and it won't run.

Thank you Ondarvr,
I'm guessing the only way to test this is to take it out of the handle and visually inspect it but for a quick test can I just disconnect it ? Will the motor run with it disconnected ?