Hi - I've got a very unusual problem with a Honda 5HP outboard. Without the engine cowling cover on, the engine runs fine under all conditions. Whenever the engine cover is put on, the engine loses power, and cuts out under load. Initially I thought it was an air problem or something on the cowling blockiing a cable or pipe on the engine but I couldn't find anything. I discoverd that if you cover the plastic black cowling over the starter flywheel the same symptoms show themselves. It's as if blocking out light from the flywheel area causes the engine to malfuction and lose power. Is there some kind of sensor mounted as part of the flywheel that has built in illumination that may have failed? I've heard that some outboards use a marker and optical sensor for timing adjustment. I thought that if such a sensor partially failed it might explain the problem. Would welcome suggestions about fixing this problem. - Many thanks.