merc 9.9 4 stroke problems

over the past 5 yrs I have been dealing with an issue with my kicker.the thing will run great and then go out and fire it up with gas slick forming behind it . when you shut it down it wont fire back up . I have gotten it running with the cowl off and gas is pouring out the top of the carb.i have been told the float is sticking and to take it a part and clean it .when I do that and put it back together,it runs fine till the next time.i don't know if I need a rebuild kit or if something is out of adjustment ? I have a friend that has the same motor and never has any problems. any suggestions ???

I would get hold of copo / wes, check your PM's but my guess float gets gas logged and loses buoyantcy

I would start by replacing the float, needle, seat, float spring, and pin.

Either your seat is worn and the flow needle gets jammed up and can't seat properly. Or you have contaminants (Debris) in your tank and its getting sucked up and stuck in the float needle. Are you cleaning the carb and finding crud in it? Does the seat look out of round? Slightly squared off? I would do as fishkiller said and replace the needle n seat. I would also check your fuel tank for sediment at the bottom. And also install an inline fuel filter.