Originally Posted by CAPTAIN CHUCK

I have a problem that I need some help with. I am looking for ideas as to what may be causing the problem so here goes....

I was running in a poker run near my home about a month ago when it all started....
Ran the boat for about an hour with normal throttling....no problems. I slowed down for a bridge and the starboard motor died.
I tried unsuccessfully to restart for about 30 mins before giving up.

I bring the boat to my mechanic and he pulls the fuel filter and finds it full of water.
He then drains the fuel tank and finds a little water in the fuel.
After he puts the fuel back in, minus the water, he changes plugs and cleans out the carb.
I pick the boat up and take it for a 3 to 4 hour run in which I have to change the fuel filter once because the engine starts missing a bit.
After I change the filter it runs good.
I was told I may have to do this a few times...no problem.

About 2 weeks later I go to prep the boat for the weekend and decide to run both motors to make sure everything is good.
The port motor fires up immediately...I run it for about 3 mins on the hose...no problems.

I try the starboard motor and it turns over but doesn't start. It is doing the exact same thing it was doing when I was broke down on the poker run.
I pull the fuel filter and pour the fuel into a glass jar and let it settle for about 30 mins while I do some cleaning on the boat.

The fuel looks good in the jar...no water.
I put the filter back on and try to start the motor with starting fluid...nothing.
It sounds like it is not even trying to start.....
I call my mechanic and he tells me the carb could possibly be clogged and that I should bring it in.
Now even if the carb was clogged shouldn't spraying starting fluid directly into the carb at least start the motor for a brief moment?

I am a true novice when it comes to these HP motors so I really don't know what it could be.....
Is it the carb?
Is it plugs?
It does have spark...I checked.

What has me really confused is why does only one motor seem to be picking up water when both motors pull from the same tank?

Any help with this issue will be greatly appreciated.
I am just trying to figure this out before spending more money on repairs I may be able to do myself.

Thanks.

Chuck