1987 Johnson 50hp fuel soleniod?

[Cold Atlantic]

This is a new to me motor. I had it running for an hour or so. Appeared to be fine. I put a new battery in and would start but only idle for about 10 seconds. I checked compression this morning as well both cyl at 120 to 125 psi. I can hear the soleniod click pushing the key in and if I turn it to the left it leaks a little. If I turn the soleniod switch back and forth I can keep it running. Is this telling me the soleniod is bad? Motor has new plugs and will fire right up quick when it appears to be getting fuel. Going to do a impellar and bottom end check but wanted to get this done first. So any help for a mediocre boat mechanic?

 

[flyingscott]

Get the repair kit for the solenoid to stop the leak. Your problem is more than likely in your carbs. They need to be cleaned and rebuilt with a quality kit. By turning the lever on the primer you are bypassing the carbs and putting fuel into the motor. The solenoid is not a pump just a valve that opens and closes. While the motor is cranking or running the fuel pump provides the pressure for the fuel to move through the valve.