Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

[massimofinance]

I just rebuilt my 110HP 82 Evinrude O/B. When I try to turn it over, it does not start. I went through JB's "engine does not start" FAQ's (really good materials, JB!) and the motor is fine. I checked the carbs, starter, fuel pump, everything, and had a boat mechanic come to the house, and look at it, and he says all is installed properly. I do not have the water ear-muff things on it yet; I wanted to get it running for a second before pulling the boat out of the garage to try it with water. I understand water needs to run though it when running, but my question is: is water needed at the onset, when the motor is bone cold and just rebuilt? <br /><br />THX-MAX

 

[G DANE]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

No, you will just ruin pump impeller in wery few seconds. Do a spark check, and squirt a little fuel in intake, attach muffs and start it.

 

[massimofinance]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Thanks, spark is fine, squirted gas in there, still does not start. cleaned the carbs, checked all the lines, battery is good, connectors are clean. The starter spins, and it tried, but it does not turn over.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Are your plugs wet after a non-start? When you say that the starter spins but will not turn over do you mean that the engine will not turn over or it will not "hit" like it wants to start?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

I wouldn't even be turning it over (except a little bump here and there) without water - cranking the engine also spins the water pump impeller and when the impeller's dry, it can get damaged pretty quickly. It sounds to me like, in trying to get it started, you're cranking it quite a bit. Buy some muffs.<br /><br />As for the starting, smarter people than me will hopefully help you get it started. Good luck.

 

[massimofinance]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

plugs are dry. start spins, but that is it, I do not get the explosion, if you know what I mean, it won't turn over.<br /><br />I should mentioned it started once, then I killed it right away, afraid about damaging the impeller.<br /><br />Thanks all.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Your impeller is probably already shot and since your plugs are dry then I would assume (I know don't do this) that you are not getting fuel. Does the primer bulb get firm when you pump it up?

 

[massimofinance]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Thanks, the primer bulb is very hard, yes. The impeller was brand new, just installed it two weeks ago, does this mean I need to pull the lower unit apart?<br /><br />Thx. MAX

 

[fireman57]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Probably. Get some muffs for future use. Get a "windex" bottle and put some premix in it and shoot it directly into the carb throats and see if it hits. If it does you may have stuck floats or blockages in the jets, or ......

 

[G DANE]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

I cant imagine a new impeller will melt or wear at crancking RPMs. How long did you cranck it ?? Till the starter smoked or battery went low ?? I think your impeller is still fine. But get it fixed till it fires before you move on. Its not getting gas to cylinders.

 

[massimofinance]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

Hello: No smoking or battery going low, just a few cranks, that's all. I will check the gas to cylinders issue. Thank you.

 

[achris]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

One problem I've come across a few times is that when the fuel primer bulb goes really hard, it's because one of the valves in the primer has come out and then gone back in, but backwards. Disconnect the fuel line and carefully push the small ball in the end of the connector in, then prime. You should have fuel coming out. If you do, then back to the engine, if not, replace the primer.<br /><br />Chris..........

 

[imstillatwork]

Re: Does an outboard need to have water running through it to start?

I'm sure you know.... but you will overheat in a matter of a few minutes if you run it with no water.