1993 88spl hard to start/rough idle

[Davidh10]

Finally got to do some work on my boat. I installed new plugs, wires, coils, and starter solenoid. I tested the primer solenoid and it is squirting good. Boat is hard to start, idles rough and dies out sometimes when idling. Using the primer seems to make situation WORSE. Primer will kill the motor if you use it after the motor gets started. I have to engage the prop clutch disconnect and move the engine control lever up a notch to get the motor started at all. Idle speed is fluxing between 600 to 700 on the tach which seems too low. When you bring the motor off idle speed it smooths out and runs much better and doesn't die out. I'm thinking maybe overhaul the carbs? Carb kits are cheap.
The fuel in the boat has ethanol with conditioner and seafoam added. Boat has not been out in the water since early November. I do plan to switch to recreation fuel.

PSis it possible to rope start this motor? Looks like you would need to be Hercules!)

[dapower1]

Bad day with motor

David , did you run the motor long enough to clear the storing fluids from the carbs ' all the smoke should have cleared up ' also did you try and run the motor before you changed the plugs, wires, and coils ? . you should have no problem with your fuel sitting for 3 months . are you getting spark from all the coils ?.. also if you can lift 50# you shouldn't have a problem pull starting the motor. Do not wrap the rope used to pull start around your hand ! it can get caught and pull your hand into the motor use a stick, screwdriver, etc. for a quick release if you decide to do this .

[Davidh10]

ran the same

After changing all the parts, the boat did just the same as before, no difference. I did not put storage fluids in but put the ethanol conditioner and Seafoam. It did seem to be a little smoother (much less smoke than at idle) when I got well above idle but that is all. I think the primer is actually flooding the carbs. Pretty sure it is firing on all 4 but will double check. If not, must be the power pack? The old plugs were the non electrode type but I put what the book called for-QL77 Champions. The wires and coils looked original and were cheap so I changed them. 2 of the coils had pieces cracked off. The old plugs were fairly clean and didn't look worn out. The motor has been an unpredictable starter ever since I have had it. (I think it's female). I do see some posts saying that the factory power packs were often bad in the 1990s.

[Davidh10]

bad wire

Found that 1 cylinder was not firing and traced it to a damaged primary coil wire that was shorted to the block due to being pinched under the coil pack for a long time. Now it starts good and the idle is up around 1000-1100 in neutral. Time to put the boat in the water and see how it does.