I have a 1987 25HP pull start Evinrude. Generally I put a new set of plugs in it every year at the start of the season and have no issues. First time out this year I went to get the plugs and they didn?t have them in stock. Headed to the lake and it ran with the old plugs without issues. Second time out (had not taken the time to get new plugs) it fired up no problem but about half way thru the day it started to sputter and died. I was in a hurry that day and used gas with ethanol that had been in my garage over the winter? I normally use ethanol free gas. I guessed ethanol poisoning so got fresh gas and installed new plugs. It will not cold start at all anymore unless I shoot fuel into the cylinders via the spark plug holes. Tuesday night while getting ready to decarb it using SeaFoam I found an obstruction in the tank end of my fuel line. It appeared to be plastic liner from inside the fuel line that broke loose. It was so bad I had to cut that part of the line off. I was stunned the engine would run at all with the obstruction. Figured I had found my problem so proceeded with the decarb. Three times of running 15 minutes, rest 15 and repeat. Running it in a 55 gallon drum. First start I had to shoot fuel in the cylinders. After the first and second 15 minute runs it started easily without needing the shot of fuel in the cylinders. Last night I got home late and went out to try a cold start. No go, nothing. I plan to install a new set of plugs and put a new fuel line on it tonight/this weekend but there has got to be another problem. This motor has just been bulletproof and since I put the bad gas thru it will no longer cold start. Runs very smooth once it is running and restarts easily once warm. Would appreciate any ideas you guys have as I am about out. Next steps I can think of is a carb and fuel pump rebuild but I have been told if they were failing the motor would not run smooth/at all. The fuel filter is clean.
