1997 25hp Tracker (merc) wont fire on both

[JaseBosto]

My 16' Grumman aluminum boat has a 1997 25hp Tracker (mercury) outboard on it. Always ran fine and started without hassle till about 2 months ago. Out of nowhere it started only firing on 1 cylinder. Its a 2 cylinder, and its firing only on the bottom cylinder. My friend owns a local marina, and he cannot figure this out.

Right off the bat I put in new plugs. We determined that the coils are good. By connecting the positive for the bottom piston's coil from the switch box to the coil on the top piston, the top piston begins firing. So him and his worker friend said it must be the switch box. So I put a switch box in which made no difference.
IF I unplug the bottom pistons positive wire from the coil, it will fire on the top piston.

I'm getting to the point where I've had about enough. Though I haven't had to post here in a while, I do know there is a wealth of knowledge here so hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
Thanks.

 

[Renn90]

So it seems that all parts would work if there was enough and consistent current.
Based on what was already checked, seems like a stator issue (maybe a flywheel). Easily checked with an ohm-meter (under ~ $30 and up at home improvement stores like Home Depot). If you don't have a manual, get a free download at boatinfo.no, and follow directions for testing (also check for physical damage on any of the parts under and including the flywheel, such as cracks on any of the parts). Mind as well check the trigger while you have the flywheel off.

 

[JaseBosto]

The website for the manuals is down. So do you know how to check it?