JB
Honorary Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2001
- Messages
- 45,907
Outboard Wont Start: <br /><br />1. Electric start: Does the starter engage and rotate the flywheel at a good (normal) speed? If yes, go to 2. <br /><br />* Does starter spin, but bendix gear (small gear on starter shaft) does not engage the flywheel? Lubricate bendix spiral shaft. <br /><br />* Does the solenoid click? <br /><br />* If yes, measure voltage at the starter terminal to battery ground with starter engaged. <br /><br />* If 12 V, repair or replace starter.<br /><br />* If less than 9V measure voltage at large solenoid input terminal (from battery). <br /><br />* If less than 9V, go to 3. If 12V, replace solenoid.<br /><br />* Solenoid does not click when key is turned to start. Measure voltage at small solenoid terminal. <br /><br />* 0 volts? Troubleshoot kill switch (lanyard connected?), battery, starter switch and neutral start switch in controller. <br /><br />* 12 volts? Replace solenoid.<br /><br />2. Flywheel rotates but engine does not attempt to start. Electric and manual start.<br /><br />* Remove a spark plug, reconnect it and hold it against engine block. Keep it there while turning engine over. Does it make a hot, blue spark when attempting to start? If no, troubleshoot ignition system.<br /><br />* Has hot, blue spark. Squirt some fuel mix (NOT ether) into the carb(s). Does it attempt to start? <br /><br />* If yes, you have inadequate fuel. Troubleshoot fuel system and review starting procedure. <br /><br />* If no, check that carb is not flooding from failed float needle.<br /><br />* Still wont attempt to start. Check compression. If bad, troubleshoot mechanicals.<br /><br />* Good compression on all cylinders. Check flywheel for sheared key, check crankcase for sealing at carb(s), inlet manifold and bypass covers.<br /><br />3. Low voltage at starter when engaged. <br /><br />* Measure voltage at battery terminals. If below 12.6 volts with all electrics turned off, recharge or replace battery. <br /><br />* Measure battery voltage with starter engaged. If below 9 volts, recharge or replace battery.<br /><br />* Remove and clean connections on battery-to-solenoid cable, battery-to-engine block cable and solenoid-to-starter cable. While they are off, inspect each for corrosion, broken insulation with corrosion and weak points. Replace corroded or weak cables.<br /><br />* If problem persists, remove starter and clean all surfaces where engine block and starter connect.
