First I would like to say hello to fellow boaters here!! And maybe get a little help while Im at it 8) I have a 95 25hp merc on a 14 ft Monark that I recently took out for the first time. At the start of the day, it was running great whether at idle or WOT. Tried to do a little fishing and since I found the trolling motor didnt work, I did a lot of idling in gear for maybe 30mins. When I tried to get going, she sputtered a little at first and let out a good bit of smoke so I assumed it was just loaded with fuel from all the idling and kept on it but it wouldnt really get going. After maybe about 30 sec, it made a VERY loud pop, like a backfire and did it a few more times while under load. Especially when crossing another wake. The popping sounded like metal to metal, like gears catching each other. Finally it rev'd up and I was on my way w/ no probs. But every time I slowed down, it took forever to get back up to speed. Then it started making a sqealing noise like a loose fan belt and did it the whole ride to the ramp. At the ramp it was idling rough and finally gave out while giving it throttle to trailer it. I should also note that it would not turn off by the key either. I had to flip the kill switch on the controls to shut it down each time. Whether that could be an issue I dont know though. Heres a few things I've done to it very recently. Brand new Merc carb, plugs, impellor, fuel system including tank, lines, bulb, filters etc. Solas prop, and starter solenoid. I checked the L.U. oil today and found no water or metal and also did a Comp. test w/ 117psi on top cyl and 118psi on bottom. Plugs seem clean but maybe a little wet. I also realized today I never had the vent on the tank open when running it :^ My first outboard so I never thought of it. Maybe it was my whole prob but thought I would ask before taking it back out and risking being stranded. Any help is greatly appreciated. SB
