I went to go start my motor today and it would not fire. Last week I started it fine. The motor is a 97 force 40 hp. I noticed gas coming out from behind the prop on the lower unit.  Could that be because its flooded. Not being mechanically enclined is this something I can trouble shoot my self? Any ideas?

Save yourself from the headaches and get Selock Manual for your motor and then you may be able to determine if this is something you can handle, or want to handle, or pass off to a marine tech!

Just my two cents...

Don't know if it has a carb or not but if so, sounds like maybe a little piece of dirt is stuck between the float needle and seat which will let gas continue to flow and run out the overflow. Fairly easy fix if so inclined.

David