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Outboard Won’t Start 101
Published on November 27, 2017; last updated on September 19, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock
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So, your outboard won’t start. What are the likely causes? What should you check first? Second? Third?
It doesn’t matter what brand of outboard you have or whether it’s 2-stroke or 4-stroke. 95% of starting problems are caused by the same group of things and don’t require a mechanic. In fact, only one of the things to check even requires a tool (and that is just a small flat-blade screwdriver); that screwdriver and a roll of tape (I like Rescue Tape —
read about it here) are all you need for any of the simple solutions and jury-rigs presented here.
FOUR CLUES TO WHY THE OUTBOARD WON’T START
Start by noticing important clues as to the cause:
- Sometimes the motor will sound like it’s not even really trying to start; other times it’ll sound like it’s almost starting.
- Is there an external tank connected by a fuel hose?
- Do you smell gas? (If so, immediately extinguish any cigarettes or other smoking materials! Actually, extinguish them before doing any of the fuel system checks.)
- Does it start okay, then die when you put it into gear?
Admittedly, there are going to be times when there is no simple fix. If you’re a mechanic-type and know outboards, great. If not, find someone who is. BUT — and this is the important part — the vast majority of problems do not require any special knowledge to find and fix at least well enough to get home.
THE FIRST THING TO DO WHEN THE OUTBOARD WON’T START
If you’re not tied on to your boat or a dock or anchored, the first priority is to not get swept away from safety. Row or paddle back and tie on or drop your dinghy anchor.
And as a side note, always have your basic safety gear in the boat — see my article on
Things to Carry in the Dinghy.
WHAT TO CHECK WHEN THE OUTBOARD DOESN’T SOUND LIKE IT WANTS TO START
Four(or five with an electric start) things to check when the motor doesn’t even sound like it wants to start, regardless of whether it has an internal or external tank:
Kill Switch
Make sure that the kill cord (aka “deadman”) is attached properly to the motor. Don’t just look at it — generally, if it’s even a tiny bit out of place, it will stop the engine — or prevent it from starting. I will undo it, and then put it back into place. In my experience, this is the most common cause of failure to start! NOTE: Always wear the kill cord —
read more here about why and an easy way to do it if you need your hands free.
