ran well 2 weeks ago, now won't start

[george3405]

:'( My 48 spl Evinrude 2 cyl outboard ran well 2 weeks ago. It's been sitting tied up in the water since. It is on a 1989 Sunbird VS 15'. I just got it so I don't know much about it. It cranks good, but won't fire up. I put new spark plugs in it. The primer bulb looks fairly new but is very hard. The fuel line was unplugged from the motor so I reconnected it. It is at a public beach, and my nephew who just gave it to me, has just gotten a 30 day notice to move it. I have the trailer, but need to get it running to get it over to the boat ramp. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
George3405

 

[OBJ]

Re: ran well 2 weeks ago, now won't start

Welcome George!

I would first check and make sure the safety switch key is in place. Should be on the side of the control box or if the ignition is dash mounted, on the dash.

Take some premix in a spray bottle and spray some fuel into the throat of the carb (open the throttle plates when you do this). Try starting. If it fires up, you may have a fuel flow problem or your starting procedure is wrong.

Check for spark at each cylinder. If no spark, likely the power pack has gone south and will have to be replaced.

 

[fireman57]

Re: ran well 2 weeks ago, now won't start

What OBJ said, especially the welcome part. You said the primer bulb was hard. Did you pump it several times and feel it get harder or could you not squeeze it at all? If you can't prime it, it will crank and crank but not start. Make sure you post back if you have more trouble or you get it going.

 

[JB]

Re: ran well 2 weeks ago, now won't start

Look here, George: http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035554

Good luck.

 

[DJ]

Re: ran well 2 weeks ago, now won't start

fireman,

Good advice.

The primer bulb WILL get hard (good) with a fuel connector that is NOT connected. Make sure you have a good connection at the engine and tank, if so equipped with two.

You MAY find that getting a good connection makes the primer bulb soft, that simply means that fuel is finally getting to the carburetors. Pump it up again.

Follow this starting procedure.

1. Pump up primer bulb.

2. Turn key to ON-not start.

3. Turn key to ON-not start and hold in for eight count.

4. Release key.

5. Turn key to start-NOT pushing in.

6. Start engine.

7. You may have to "bump" key in to keep engine running, until warm.