Mine would not stay energised while cranking and the gear would not stay out. Easy to check, bridge the two large brass terminals on the starter solenoid together with something large like a shifter and test it. Carefully it will spark.
Starter solenoid is on its way out. My 2+2 115 was dropping out during starting, batteries were fine, cables new and all earths clean. I ignored it until it gave up completely. Cheap to replace.
They’re the same filter combo as my 89 115hp 4 cylinder 2+2. The small filter points to the small diameter accelerator pump nozzles in the lower two cylinders. Remove the oil tank and you should see them.
