iginition problem

[pastorphil]

I have a 1978 85ML78C Johnson with ignition problems. It was running fine on my first few trips out (33 mph on my 15.5' boat), then with my next trip, it started hard and ran terribly with no power. I checked the fuel system and carbs, and they look fine. I pulled the spark plug wires off one at a time and found that when I took off the plug wire on either cylinder individually on the port side or both of these at the same time, it made no difference on how the engine ran.

The marine shop wanted $100 to diagnose, $100/hour, then $90 + for parts. I only paid $800 for the boat, so I am hoping that someone can give me some help in identifying if it the power pack or something else that is the problem.

Thanks for the help.

Phil

[boats.net]

Check for spark and compression. Post your results.