Gentlement,,

I have a mid to late 70s model 9.5 I beleive its an Evinrude.It sat up for a few yrs.(got it from my father-in law) I didnt have a fuel tank and tried to spary some starting fluid into it and trying to see if it would crank. No luck! Checked for fire and both plugs are firing off. Do I have to use a tank to fire it up or should it fire with starting fluid?
Any helpful hints to get this thing running? Please help!!

Could be out of time if flywheel key is sheared. I wouldn't use the starting fluid very much...it does not have any lubrication and is very hard on your engine.

If you want to see if it'll pop, mix some gas and outboard oil...then spray it in the plug holes....dont use starting fluid by itself.

In fact, try this first:

You need to check compression. But those cylinders need lube before you turn it over again. Mix a LOT of outboard oil in some gas in a spray bottle...and squirt it in the cylinder(s). Then put a compression gauge on each one and turn it over. Post the reading here for one of the pros to evaluate. But dont turn that engine over again without lube ! In fact, I'd worry about the water pump too.

your carburetor might be clogged & your not getting n e fuel. your engine should run off of the starting fluid if its getting fuel to the combustion chamber & u have spark. good luck

compression, spark, fuel. if she has all three she runs, if she don't, she don't.

spark should jump a 1/4" gap on an inline tester (without the spark plug).

Compression should be about the same on both cylinders (within 5 or 7% or so)

Go ahead and order the carb kit now, and the water pump kit, too. Even if it starts, not much chance it'll run right without a good carb cleaning.

6 gallon plastic tank, not too expensive.

About compression.

Can you buy a compression gauge or should I just spend the outragous hrly rate at the Marine shop?

hogg - just go buy one. They are very simple and inexpensive.

Harbor Freight sells them 10-30 bucks depending on what you want.

a real easy way for checking compression is 2 remove your spark plug and plug the hole with your finger. u should be able to feel compression on the compression stroke & suction on the intake stroke. or u can try putting the transmission in gear with the plugs in & turn your prop and if your engine is hard 2 turn then u have compression. yer engine should still run even if u lose some compressio.n u just wont have as much power4.

Buy a tank and hook it up, be sure you have the correct fuel ratio, may have a hole in the fuel pump diaphram. Pull the fuel line from the pump to carbureter and pull the motor thru, if gas comes out the hose than the pump is good and carbureter or possibly reed valve gummed up......If no compression, pull the plugs and fill the cylinders with Marvel Mystery Oil and let soak a day or two, put plugs back in after draining and see if it will fire. Rings are gummed up if no compression.

Some plugs wont fire under pressure. Swap out the plugs with new ones. Also, I'm guessing the compression on that engine should be at least 90 Lbs....and it's JUST a guess.

Where is wellborn? I have some free time and I would not mind helping you getting it to run. I work on all of my boats. Im in Ft.Worth

Wellborn is outside of College Station. Only about 3.5hrs south of ya! I think between all of yalls comments I can hopefully get something going. We have pulled the plugs out and you could definatly "feel the compression". So now I guess Ill have to buy a tank and see what happens.

I think I used to fish by what was called "iron bridge" by wellborn. Anyway, these are good motors, don't scrap it. If you don't have it, get a title if possible if and while you have a cooperating donor.. Old Frogs comments about damage from not lubing the cylinders is correct and a hard lesson to learn by trial and error. Check the dual points. they are probably at least glazed over and need checked. Good luck and keep it from the scrap pile.

I think Iron bridge is near Millican? We have Koppe Bridge and Batts Ferry here in Welborn. Both on the Brazos.