I need help on my 85 hp force. Plz &thx I’m kinda new to boating and fishing but I can wrench on my own stuff

[Mr.Miller39]

The motor I currently have on my boat (bay liner bass trophy)is 1985 force 85 hp. While while I was out if I give it for throttle it would just fall down and shut off but it started right back up about five times than the last time I can’t get it started now I cleaned a couple of the connections on a pop out fuse things I was wondering can you be my starter not strong enough anymore. I have a 2no motor that’s the same but I think it’s ten years newer or just better taken care of b4 I got them. I’m trying to fix this the right way bc I take my wife and kids out a lot. I think to get the current motor running that is on the boat and it’s just something simple but as I said I’m new to this I don’t wanna mess anything else up

 

[JDusza]

Is the boat new to you? Any history with it?
First impression is that you're starving for fuel. Verify fuel pump by disconnecting carburetor feed and wrapping it with a rag. Turn the engine over (if the starter spins) and you should get fuel spurting into the rag. From there, get into the carburetors.
Second, not starting and questioning the starter? Does the starter not spin the engine anymore? Is the battery worn out? Pull your spark plugs and try to spin it without compression. Not sure why you're questioning the starter.
J

 

[JDusza]

If you have little to no history with the engine, cover the basics with a compression test and ignition test just so you have an idea of where you stand with the rest of the power head.
J