1985 Merc 25HP XD won’t start now

[Boseaphus]

So I picked up this new to me motor the other day, after running for about 5 minutes it would “cough” and start running normally again. So I decided to take the carb off and have a look at it. Carb had some grime in it but I’ve seen worse. I put the carb back on and it started for about 5 seconds and then quit. Since then I have not been able to start it. Carb bowl fills up and the primer pump on the side of the carb shoots fuel into the crankcase just fine. 120 Compression on both cylinders and I am getting spark on both plugs. I have put new plugs in and they are still dry as a bone. I have recleaned the carb about 3 times now and the fuel pump. Float in carb is at correct position and the needle valve is not stuck. I have removed the reed block and took a look at the valves and I can see light through them. Is this my problem or could it be something else. I’ve already ordered new reeds to replace these. My other thought was possibly and broken woodruff key in the flywheel that could be throwing the timing off. I’m lost at this point and need some advice. Thanks

 

[RCO]

Does the spark jump a 3/8" gap on an open air tester? If yes, try to spray some fuel mix into the carb throat and see if it will start . If it does start you still have carb issues, if not, verify the timing is correct, then check the reeds.

 

[RCO]

Also what is your starting procedure? Are you pulling the primer 3-4 times when cold? Make sure the throttle advance rod is hooked up from primer/choke lever to the stator plate.

 

[Boseaphus]

The throttle advance wire was missing and the choke lever that connects to the wire to the choke was broken. I’ve ordered both parts. Also pulled the flywheel off to see if the key was sheared, it was in good shape but I noticed that one of the magnets was cracked in 3 places. Couldn’t find replacement magnets so I ordered a used flywheel off of eBay That should be here soon. Hopefully between replacing those parts I will have my problem fixed. I’ve bought an inline spark tester to see if I’m getting spark inside the cylinders. I’m getting spark outside of it, but that does me no good if there is no pop inside of it. Thanks for the responses!

 

[Boseaphus]

She’s running now. Not sure which component was the problem, but I got a new flywheel off of eBay since my magnets were broke, and also replaced the broken throttle advance arm and wire. Fired up first pull after those two things were fixed. Thanks for your help!