It’s great to see the explosion of new boaties on the water this summer. We’ve seen a few through the workshop and many have asked advice on a range of topics but starting their outboard is definitely number 1! So we decided to put together a guide or ‘cheat sheet’ for starting an outboard. It’s something we wish we had when we were starting out. So if you’ve just picked up your new boat but you're having trouble starting it, read on... There’s nothing more frustrating than an engine that won’t start. Especially one that did start at home but won’t start on the boat ramp. Our advice is slightly different depending on what outboard motor you have. How to start your Mercury and Johnson 2-strokeIf you have a Mercury or Johnson 2-stroke that has a remote box and a choke on the key switch, here’s the best way we’ve found to start it. Firstly, prime up the primer bulb until it is firm, this is done by holding the primer bulb straight up and down, not sideways. The arrow should point up to ensure the non-return valve works. When you squeeze the bulb and release it, it sucks fuel up then it pushes the fuel against the check valve which stops fuel going back into the tank. If this is done sideways the valve will never work properly and you’ll always be shifting fuel backwards and forwards but not build pressure. Once your fuel primer bulb has been primed, turn the ignition key on and push the key in and you should hear a clicking sound - this is the electric choke activating. Push the key in and crank the engine till the engine fires. This means the engine will be turning over until it coughs and splutters. At this point the engine is telling you it has enough gas and now needs more airflow. Lift the cold start lever up all the way, turn the key over with no choke and the engine should roar into life. If the motor sounds like its dying with the throttle lever still up, push the choke in and squirt more fresh gas into it. This generally means the engine hasn’t been run for a while and the fuel inside the carbs is stale. Keep revving the engine up until you maintain constant running. Reduce engine revs and maintain proper idle speed. If in doubt lift your throttle lever all the way up and wind the engine over with no choke, if this does not work keep the engine lever all the way up and push in and hold choke on. How to start your Yamaha 2-strokeFor Yamaha 2-strokes we’ve found the best way to start them is to prime the fuel as normal, turn the key on and push the key in. This activates your choke plates which is a flap that closes the air off. It does this by suffocating the engines carburetors which creates more vacuum, so you draw more fuel out of the carburetors. Push the key in and crank the engine till the engine fires. This means the engine will be turning over until it coughs and splutters. At this point the engine is telling you it has enough gas and now needs more airflow. Lift the cold start lever up all the way, turn the key over with no choke and the engine should roar into life. If it does not start use the choke and the throttle lever together. Use throttle to maintain a steady idle to warm up. Understanding the chokeIt’s important to understand how your choke works. Basically, every time you push the key in you squirt raw fuel straight into the motor. The more times you push it or hold it in, the more fuel is pushed into the engine causing it to flood easily. See what to do if you’ve flooded your engine below if this happens! What to do if it's floodedIf you’ve flooded your outboard, here’s what to do: Lift your throttle lever up all the way, crank motor continuously until it starts. If it’s flooded it will eventually run, if still doesn’t start and there’s another issue, mostly likely no spark or no fuel! How to start your 4-stroke outboardThe most common cause of your 4-stroke outboard not starting is no fuel and check kill switch is connected and make sure you have no blown engine fuses under cowling. The most common cause of a 4-stroke not starting is no fuel and a disconnected kill switch. Also make sure you have no blown engine fuses under the cowling. Or the remote box is in gear. Remove cover and look for electrical fuse boxes. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt with what to check or how to start your engine just get in touch. And of course contact Coast Guard (channel 19 on VHF) if you’re unable to start your engine while you’re out at sea. Want to keep learning?Comments are closed.
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24/3/2022