accidentally started motor dry

[jlsmith]

I turned my key on in my boat in the garge to check the fuel gauge, problem is my dumb butt turned it too far and the engine started to fire i turned it off immediately could i have damaged the outboard.

 

[QC]

Re: accidentally started motor dry

Hey jt,

I moved this over to Non-repair OB as it is more specific to that area. I also changed yout title as I assumed you were talking about a blood and guts accident type deal

Anyway . . . although starting dry is hard/bad on your water pump impeller, I don't really think you did any harm. With that said, you should be changing your impeller every other year anyway, so if you haven't, maybe this is a good time to do it Other than that possibility, you didn't hurt anything more than your ego. Have a good season.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: accidentally started motor dry

I wouldn't worry about it. I actually did the same thing but for longer than you did. No harm. Of course, QC is correct that your impeller is a wear item so if it hasn't been done in a while or definitely if you don't know when it was last changed, go ahead and replace it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: accidentally started motor dry

happens all the time. Although not a good idea, and there is possibility (but not probability) of damage to the impeller, but your other overheat protection will be in place--tell-tale, alarms etc.
I often bump my starter before launching to be sure my battery is OK (private ramp--no need to pre-start on muffs like you should before going to a busy public ramp)