225 won't start at idle speed and more!

[wmoore5258]

I have a 1989 225. The problem started about three weeks ago when trying to start the engine. I could only start with rpm at 1500; engine cuts off anything lower. Took boat out and enjoyed the day; only problem was hard to start. Next day desided to change plugs. Took out, still hard to start and when it would cut off it cuts off like the engine has a brake on it. Coming into dock engine cut off at idle below 1500 and when I start back up the engine started but stopped with just a little kick back in rotation; causeing pinion houseing on starter to crack. Had help today trying to trouble-shoot problem. New starter, start engine (1500 rpm) and engine is running, then off with the little kick back and starter houseing #2 is cracked. Has this happened to anyone?

[boats.net]

Run a compression test first, check spark on each cylinder and plug wires are on correct cylinder.