Need Help With My 85 Merc 7.5 Hp Fuel Problem

[kansasbassfisher08]

I bought this motor 2 years ago sat in a guys shop it was nice and shinny. so i bought it. took it home change the plugs got a new fuel cell and hoses and gas. after a couple pulls started right up im thinking great took it out it was hard to start but finally started. next trip i used my minnkota went all around a lake started getting low on charge so i went to fire up the motor no go no start. got home changed the plugs and no go asked a guy and he said fuel problem so i took the carb off cleaned every thing but tore the gasket going between the block and the carb i thought it will be fine. i cleaned all the parts and whiped off the gaskets in the diaphram. cleaed the screen where the fuel enters the diaphram. i sprayed it with starting fluid and got it to go for a couple seconds til the started fluid ran out i guess but thats really it can this be cus the diaphram gasket or something. i took the cap off the fuel cell cus i thought it was a vent i even ran the line directly in the tank. need help please help

[hoglaw]

Ugh. Only so many variables to a motor, especially a little one like that. Start from the head back. You've changed plugs. Assuming they are properly gapped, check the compression. If you have good compression and proper plugs, move to the intake and carb. Sounds like you've torn it down and cleaned the carb good (though that gasket should be replaced if it hasn't already), but clean it again. Sometimes cleaning one can dislodge gunk post-cleaning. Make sure you soak it good. If you have properly gapped and good plugs, good seals, and a clean carb, then you move out to fuel supply. You've cleaned your filter. Make sure you have good fresh gas. Maybe try non-ethanol premium. If your fuel line fittings are good, then try a new fuel line if you have access to one. Remove the tank side fitting to take a variable out of the equation and just hose clamp the fuel line to the tank. You just have to move through one variable at a time.