Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

srikid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2010
Messages
26
1982 90 HP outboard Johnson.... Was sitting in a coworkers yard for a few years. I am completely new to boating. I did some research here about how to get her started. Got some new fuel, Bought a new battery, put the key in and turned it..... ALL IT DOES IS CRANK. I kept trying and trying and all she does is crank and crank but never turns over and does not start. Once I release the key it just stops.

Its possible that I may have blown the starter motor by trying it so much cause it just stopped cranking. Im hoping it stopped cause it was overheating but I dont know. Assuming it crank again next time, how do I get it stop cranking and actually start.
 

jmanf150

Cadet
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
11
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

u need a good fully charged battery. try spinning that starter gear could be bound up.
 

srikid

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

I am using a brand new battery. The starter was working fine when I first tried but after cranking and cranking the motor without it starting I think the starter motor might have overheated or something.

My question is ... how do I stop from cranking and actually get it to start?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

Are you getting spark? How is the compression? If spark and compression are ok, try squirting some fuel mixture in the carbs and see if it will fire.
 

srikid

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Joined
Jun 8, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

Are you getting spark? How is the compression? If spark and compression are ok, try squirting some fuel mixture in the carbs and see if it will fire.

Can anyone tell me how to check if I am getting spark and what the compression is?
 

jmanf150

Cadet
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
11
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

Dont test it by sticking your tongue on the plug wire! my 90 horse has like around 120 or something.
 

lmuss53

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 9, 2008
Messages
1,227
Re: Need help from the pros. Engine wont start.

One thing to look for is the safety lanyard for the kill switch. There should be a switch on the controller with a little button sticking out. If you can see the button the kill switch is keeping the motor from running. There should be a funny looking clip covering that button up and holding it in. The clip is attached to a phone cord looking lanyard to hook to your lifejacket to stop the boat if you fall overboard.

Make sure you didn't wiggle the controller out of nuetral, that would make it stop cranking. Read the post about awakening a sleeping outboard.
 
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