about a year ago I bought a boat with a 1986 mercury 35hp elpto outboard on it . The first time i took it out it backfired and some wires caught on fire and melted. when that happened the boat would move but if i applied any throttle to it it would die . if i went back to about 1/4 throttle it would cut back on and run . anyway i have rewired best i can and have 1 wire coming from the harness that is about where the wire for the electronic choke solenoid is at that i cant find a place for. its beige in color . since it set up for about a year i took apart the carb and checked all the jets for clogs. it wants to start but will only run choked and for a second or 2 . but had it running choked the other day for about 5 minutes once i opened the choke it died. cranked it back up and ran idled, if i applied throttle it died. went inside to grab a bite to eat came back out and once again back to run for a second or 2 and die 
any suggestions ? cant afford $85 an hour shop rate and basically learning as i go thanks to this site
side notes
serial # 0A966761
model #1035726
also noticed fuel leaking at the bottom of the throttle shaft just dripping
replaced broken electronic choke solenoid plunger
noticed no venturi in carb
any suggestions ? cant afford $85 an hour shop rate and basically learning as i go thanks to this site side notes
serial # 0A966761
model #1035726
also noticed fuel leaking at the bottom of the throttle shaft just dripping
replaced broken electronic choke solenoid plunger
noticed no venturi in carb