96 Evinrude 25 HP Won't Start

[fonewiz]

My story and my issue. I don't know much or anything at all about mechanics, let alone boat motors. I recently bought a used 17' Duracraft Aluminum jon boat with a 1996 Evinrude 25 HP motor. The guy I bought it from seemed like an honest guy and said it didn't start he last time he tried to fish with it and then let it sit for a few years. Said carbs likely needed to be cleaned and it should run fine with a little TLC. I asked around for mechanics in my local area and found a guy who works for a local boat repair shop and he did the work on the side at a discounted rate. He said he replaced the impeller/water pump, cleaned carb, replaced part of fuel line between filter and tank, changed fuel filter, cleaned metal gas can and filled with fresh gas/oil mix. Changed spark plugs, checked that it would go in gear reverse and forward. Also did bearings on trailer and checked boat for leaks. He said he then started it and ran it for about 20 minutes, said it sounded fine then it "Sneezed" as he described and he cut it off. He said the way it sounded, he knew it was the Power Pack that went bad. He told me what the part was, showed me the picture and gave me the part number. It looks easy to change out so I ordered it on the web and I am waiting for it now. He told me if I put the water hose on it and cranked it up it would still start but he wouldn't run it much until I change the power pack or use the boat on the water because it would vibrate and run like crap. Tonight, while waiting for the part, I just wanted to see if it would start. I connected the water, connected the gas line, primed with the bulb several times and even messed with the choke a bit (pulled all the way out and pushed all the way in etc.). Could not get this thing to start at all. I double checked all spark wires and other wires I could find on motor. I made sure the kill switch thing was inserted into the switch, even tried moving it back and forth to see if it would help. Nothing.. Questions.. Is it possible that the power pack is completely dead now and that's what's causing it to not start? I am at a loss and pretty discouraged. Maybe I just don't know how to start it? I don't know.. Any ideas, thoughts would be appreciated. I am also wondering why the power pack just went out like that while the mechanic was idling, what makes one go out. Finally, I am pretty sure the wrong power pack is installed right now. I tried to order the new part based on the part number that's on the installed power pack and that part number does NOT match my motor. Could that be the reason it died and why it won't start now? Sigh..