Hard start 96 mercury gamefisher 5hp

[StAugJonboat]

I'm having trouble starting my motor. Took it to a mechanic buddy, he disconnected the ground and it started right up, but sputters when running wide open. Found that the emergency kill switch was disconnected when I got it out of the water. Hooked everything back up, fired off once now won't start. Tried again with the ground disconnected, no dice. Was routine maintenanced about 4 months ago. I've got a new kill switch coming in the mail just in case. anywhere else I should start to solve this issue? Pretty handy with automotive motors but outboards are new to me.

 

[StAugJonboat]

Got the start issue taken care of... still having issues with high throttle misfire... I have a new ignition module on the way... everything I've read says what I'm experiencing is a spark issue... plug is new so that's not it... fingers crossed