1988 15hp Gamefisher spits an sputters for 5-10 seconds then dies

[austins35]

I've searched an read lot of great post here. some come close to the issue I'm having. but I'm not sure I have read the same exact issue.

I just got a 1988 15hp Gamefisher.

I bought this motor a couple weeks back. When I bought it ran in a barrel. three different times for 10 the first time and the third time for 15 minutes. no issues seemingly.
When I got her out on the boat. she ran for about five minutes. when i throttled her down to talk to my buddy in the front of the boat she just died. an has not started an run for longer than a few minutes since both in the water, an a barrel of water.
She fires over, an runs about 3-5 seconds then nothing. I took the carb off, she was a little dirty nothing too bad. just some cork from the old gasket.

I'm thinking it's something to do with the fuel not getting pulled into the carb efficiently enough. it's kinda like the engine fires and runs just long enough for the gas in the carb to burn then she dies.
my model # is 225.581500

i have made sure the gas is new an correctly mixed 50-1.
i replaced all the gas lines as well.
I'm fairly mechanically incline but this thing has me stumped.
do the coils die off an on in these motors. I'm getting spark at both spark to both plugs. I wanna thoroughly check to make sure I'm getting enough spark though
I'm wondering if the coil or ignition hasn't gone south.

great reading here thank you I'm hope one of you guys can help me out thank you in advance

I hate not being able to figure this motor out...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 1988 15hp Gamefisher spits an sputters for 5-10 seconds then dies

Replace the fuel pump diaphragm kit. Whether it turns out to the the problem or not, it needs to be changed,,,, ethanol is hard on those old rubber parts.

The engine should run longer than 3-5 seconds with a full carb of gas. Mine runs 15-30 (?) seconds while running the carb dry approaching the dock heading home.

The ignition could be suspect as the BIM (if yours if electronic) coils can go bad, it will run with 1 bad coil though. I had to replace the ignition system on my 7.5 Gamefisher (Force) because of 1 dead coil, they are NLA. Check to see if you have spark at both plugs when it's acting up.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1988 15hp Gamefisher spits an sputters for 5-10 seconds then dies

Do what Dan says.Rebuild the fuel pump.Do a compression test
Then get a set of in-line spark testers.
Install them and start the motor and watch the spark untill it dies.
If the spark stops when it's running then the coils /point/condenser need testing.
At the library there are books available on that motor.
The carb probably needs a good cleaning.The main jet has small holes in it make sure they are clear.
You tried adjusting the air screw?Remember where the old setting is!!Compare it to what I tell you.
Top front of the carb.Screw in GENTLY to bottom.Turn out 1 and 1/16th.
This needs a final adjustment in the water.Running/warm in gear at idle.
Turn it in and as soon as it starts to cough or miss or anything turn it back out 1/2 turn.
Post the results.