15 Hp Mecury mtor wont start

[pstodgell]

I have a 15 HP Mercury Motor which wont start. The motor is 4 years old and we used it this spring on a 14' Zodiac boat. It travels in the basement of our motorhome. I put the motor on the boat, and tried to start it, but it will not go into gear and the propellor wont turn. I put WD40 into the piston but it hasnt helped yet. Any ideas on how to get it to go- it is cutting into my fishing time

 

[guyjg]

...and tried to start it, but it will not go into gear and the propellor wont turn.

It only starts in neutral. Does it spark? How about trying a new spark plug? Have you been running the engine/carb dry when done w/it before storing it? If the engine did not fire when you shot a good dose of WD-40 in the plug hole and replaced the plug then look for a spark issue first. Check the trigger coil and stator. If the spark is VERY GOOD then the carb may need cleaning. Some fellas disagree but the carb can be soaked w/o disassembly. It's a very simple procedure. Let me know if you want to try it.