Like everyone says, I hate to see those nice old engines converted sloppily like this. Like someone else pointed out, that fuel pump doesn’t fit very well, and hoses could be getting crimped with the cover on. I’m trying to remember if you said that the engine will run if the primer bulb is pressed continually, but I believe you said it would not.
And, like others questioned, I will ask again about just how this engine was converted. There is a nipple on the lower left side of the intake manifold that needs to be capped off. Have a look, post some more pictures if that is helpful. Perhaps the nipple was capped off, but the rubber cover fell off. The engine won’t run if the pressure nipple is open.
Now, there is the possibility that something else is keeping the engine from running. Has anyone checked the ignition? Older engines like this one usually have coils that are cracked/damaged. I can tell you how to inspect them without taking the flywheel off if you would like. I would probably not go back to whoever made this conversion, this engine deserves better attention. It is also possible that the carb is dirty/messed up.
But, we should really start at the beginning, which is your fuel/oil supply. First off, this engine requires a fuel/oil mix of 24:1, 1qt of outboard TCW3 oil to six gallons of regular fuel. Is the fuel/oil supply fresh? Are you sure there is not water in the tank? Today’s fuels tend to separate/attract water as it ages, so fuel/oil over a year old should probably be replaced. The next thing that should be checked is your tank. The tank could be dirty inside, or have a supply line/pipe that is restricted or has an air leak. Is there an air vent on the cap? If so, is it open? If the tank is internally vented, try running the engine with the tank cap loose.
It is always best to check/recheck the basics, before diving into more complex problems that aren’t there. This looks like a beautiful engine, and we surely want you to enjoy it. Sorry, I don’t know of anyone in the chicago area, but I’m sure we can find someone through this website… Don
PS: Please post any copies of repair work that has been done recently, perhaps that will help us pinpoint an issue. Unfortunately, most of today’s younger outboard techs are not very familiar with these older engines. Repairs are oftentimes performed improperly, even though the tech may have had the best of intentions.
