1993 Johnson 115 hp starting problems. Need help ASAP

[Jryals]

Okay so when starting the motor will turn over then a cylinder will fire and as soon as it does it throws the starter back down and dies. It seems like the starter should stay up longer to keep the motor spinning until all the cylinders catch and fire. Please help me figure out what is going on.

 

[boobie]

Do a compression test first and then a spark test. Spark should jump a 7/16" open air gap on a tester

 

[emdsapmgr]

Any chance the engine is out of time? If so, it may not start- even though you get an occasional fire from it. Check for a sheared flywheel key.

 

[Chris1956]

It sounds like the motor is out of tune. Check the idle timing and spark plug condition.