Just about to go crazy trying to get this motor running

[Jadentre]

Hello all I have a 1970 85 hp evinrude starflite I got for 400 dollars i have been through all the wiring a thousand times and think I found out what the origional owner did the points wires were wired backwards and for some reason the reverse spring has been removed I had it running for about an hour up and down the river and it slowly got to where it wouldn't start the biggest issue im having though is when I hit the choke or let off of the key the cap fires a spark and I can't for the life of me figure it out anyone have any input on my situation would be really nice because its driving me insane

 

[oldboat1]

Years ago, I had that motor for a number of years without issues (replace the impeller every three years or so, maybe more often as you are a river runner; sand has a nasty effect on impellers). Check the choke/key wiring. I don't recall if I had a choke issue -- maybe did, though, as I started it exclusively with the manual choke (under the lower right front of the pan, I think).

edit. Just struck me, mine had the push button remote box (elec. shift), and the choke was a toggle switch on the rear of the box, if (I think) the the rod under the pan was set for that.

 

[JDusza]

Would it make sense to put a timing light on it? I'm wondering if something is out of time.
When you choke it or let off the key and the cap fires, does the engine backfire?
J

 

[oldboat1]

Partially sheared flywheel key, possibly.

 

[racerone]

Flywheel key does not control timing on this motor.

 

[Jadentre]

I have replaced the sheared flywheel key and the rotor on the motor mine does have a manual choke but it seems when I let off of the choke switch or the key switch when starting it that is when I get a spark to the coil for some reason also the reverse spring and all that go with it have been removed would that cause this issue im pretty sure I have everything wired up correctly on the motor this is confusing the crap out of me like I said I had it running and starting even with the backfeed of power I seem to be getting from the switches