Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

[Knightgang]

A terrible thought to think about I know, but can it be done? I know that other outboards can be pull started, wanted to see about this one as a backup plan just in case. <br /><br />If so, what size, type and length of rope should I make the pull cord out of.<br /><br />Thanks -- Knightgang

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

Does the DT115 have a notch in the top of the flywheel to put the knot of a starter rope? Use dacron rope (it doesn't stretch like nylon). The diameter should be large enough so it doesn't break but small enough to get enough turns around the flywheel without falling off.<br /><br />I've never tried to start that big of an engine but I bet it can be done (better start at the gym now). I wonder if, in a pinch you could loosen, but not remove a couple of spark plugs to ease up on the compression, get it going and then tighten them? Never done that, just wondering.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

When I was a kid, my dad had a friend that had some sort of problem staring his Rude 150. (either bad started or he killed batteries often) Either way, I remeber him pull starting that thing several times. WHen the rope ran out, he would almost fall off the bow. Dad used to stand in the walk through windshield so that he would not stab his shoulder with the corner of the walk through.<br /><br />Yeah, mine has the notch which is what made me think about it. I am a safety freak, going out in the boat with small kids. I would rather have to pull than paddle.<br /><br />Thanks -- Knightgang

 

[scottoz]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

my 93 yammy 115 has no wing nuts to allow easy removal of flywheel cover - wondered why?

 

[fish4970]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

I don' know if this helps but I have a 1978<br />V6 mercury black max 175 that can be pull started <br />when cold on the first or second pull

 

[wtrojan]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

Scottoz, don’t know on yours, but on my yamaha V4 from similar year, the flywheel cover can be raised in the front, because it’s mounted on two horizontal small shafts, the cover has holes with rubber in them, so you can rise it just bending the cover slightly. It gives enough space to put the rope on the wheel. The cover has a window, to put the rope thorough and to pull it after this.

 

[v12mac]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

Having pull-started too many big outboards I now bring a jump box when I go on the water. 60-70 bucks can save you lots of falls and skinned elbows when you have to improvise a pull start rope.<br />Mac

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Pull Starting DT115 (1985)

I have a dual battery set-up and I usually only run on one battery at a time, so I am not concerned about a dead battery. I am thinking more along the lines of an alternate method should the starter go out. I am not having problems, but I have been in autos where you crank with no problem one minute and teh next trip (home) it does not work and needs replacing. Years ago we replaced a starter on an outboard, other than that, I was asking just for precaution.<br /><br />Knightgang