starting and running problems

[delirious]

i have an early 70`s 650 4 cyl 65hp mercury OB....it was hard starting when i got it but seem to run fine. now it wont start....sometimes it will? had it out last weekend, after 10 minues of cranking and finally getting it running, off we go, it took a long time at WOT b4 it got up on plane (30mph via gps info) then stalled after slowing to idle. again took foreverrrrr to get going again. would not get to full revs as we headed back to the dock frustrated as hell. then it suddenly "woke up" and took off. i then decided to turn around and get some joy outta my $$$ and cruised around on plane for a while. after my old n busted self had enough of being beat up frm the waves (lower back still sore lol) i backed off n just cruised at a moderate speed, then trying WOT again it would NOT get there again???? i got new spark plugs, and they do not have the wire hook electrode like the ones i took out? but was told the plugs i had were incorrect....i had it running n reving with muffs on in my driveway when it sounded like it was missing, then stalled. i could use a lil dirrection to go to get this thing running and into the water for the fireworks next weekend. i have replaced the fuel line and bulb, and plugs, and also tested for spark, i am a noob to boating and could use some help.....thanx in advance.

 

[delirious]

Re: starting and running problems

i did get the motor running running btw, but it is still hard starting. i think the main reason it starts more easilly on the muffs than in the water is due to no neutral or reverse. prop spins while cranking in "N"...i have "limped" the old gal 20 feet back to the ramp by cranking it. i would guess i am not getting the cranking rpm`s i really need it to start because of the fact i have the lower unit "dragging" them down and even more so with prop submerged? i am thinking about tearing down the lower unit to try n figure this out...any advice would be hugely appreciated.