1976 Evinrude 40 HP Model Number 40604A VERY hard to start..

[11B3G]

I will be doing a full run through on all the things you mentioned... The packings, and washers shown in the diagrams were definitely missing. It has brand new coils and spark plugs... I'll open up the gear case and check the impeller this weekend. Just got back from our fishing trip about an hour ago.. Had a great time..didn't get to do as much fishing as I would have liked to do but we had my two boys (6 and 3 1/2 years old) and my brother and his 4 yr old daughter. Thanks again.

What type of damage/wear should I look for?...besides cracks and completely broken...