Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

[buccaneer_35]

Hi,
I've read the FAQ from JB on Outboard won't start. I have an electric start and manual pull cord. The solenoid engages, but nothing happens. The flywheel will not budge with the pull cord. I replaced the spark plugs (the bottom spark plug was significantly more dirty than the top one - significance?). I sanded all the battery connections shiny. I used a working battery jump box from Vessel Assist - nothing. Kill switches where they should be. Engine is in neutral (tried from the shift lever on the boat, and by manually moving the engine shift lever). Checked and cleaned fuel line filter. I have the repair manual from an earlier (and successful) carb rebuild.

One possibility: engine was working fine, then as the wind picked up, I turned off and raised the engine so that we could sail. We ran into 8 foot swell with 2-3 foot wind waves and winds at sustained 30-34 knots for several hours. It's possible that the engine took a big wave or two. However, I've been in worse conditions and, more importantly, I don't see any salt crystals on the engine. It would not have been submerged, but it could have taken a wave that lasted 2-3 seconds.

Thank you very much,
phillip

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Is this a 4-stroke? What is the full model? Can you verify whether it was or was not actually submerged? If it can't be cranked with the plugs out, then liquid-lock compression isn't the problem. Either a jam in the LU (the pinion and bevel gears turn whenever the motor is running, regardless of whether in gear or not), or a stuck piston. You can rule out the LU by dropping it (remove the bolts and disengage the shifter linkage). If still stuck, you can add a lever to the flywheel to see if it will come unstuck. Some penetrating or marvel mystery oil in each cylinder wouldn't hurt. Keep the plugs out until you get it freed up.

 

[buccaneer_35]

Re: Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Thank you, Paul, for your response. For the record, it is a 4-stroke 2006 model 9.8 Tohatsu. Well, either my crewman that hooked up the Vessel Assist booster did it improperly, or the booster was not working properly. After a second long tow (3+ hours) to get my boat back to its home port, I hooked up my battery charger/booster once in the slip. BAM! Engine starts! Problem solved, except that I still have one lingering question: why could I not budge the pull cord to start it manually? And, is there a solution to this problem if it pops up again?

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

You probably have an MFS9.9B2 or 9.9C. I would verify the neutral safety cable that prevents the recoil starter from working when in gear. It may be out of adjustment.

 

[buccaneer_35]

Re: Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Hi Paul,
It is model MFS9.8A2 EPUL (or says my warranty card, from 2005). How do I verify the neutral safety cable? Thank you, again, for your help.

-phillip

 

[pvanv]

Re: Tohatu 9.9 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Philip, you have the RC version (EP) with 25" shaft (UL). That UL version comes the 4-blade high-thrust prop. Better check model info again, because I don't think there was an A2 version in UL shaft length Though there is indeed an A3 that comes in UL). If memory serves, the A2 was superceded by the A3 around 2006 or 2007, but the UL version was not available until about 2010. Those minor details can make a big difference when servicing. Also... it is not anything like a 9.9 (from the title of your original post). The MFS9.8 (I happen to have one on my Hinterhoeller HR 28) is a great sailboat motor.

If the shift cable to the RC box was/is out of adjustment, the motor could be fooled into thinking it's in gear (or partly in gear), hence no start (safety features in the starter solenoid trigger circuit), and the starter lock cable that engages the recoil starter lock. Frankly, on the EP, that starter lock is really unnecessary, from a practical standpoint. It's about as silly as how our newer automatic-transmission cars require you to engage the service brake to disengage "Park". Blame our government for trying to protect us from ourselves...

To verify the starter lock cable, shift the RC box to N, and remove the cowl. Look at the "dog" (the starter lock) on the starboard side of the recoil. It should be held up by the starter lock cam, and the cam should be centered below the lock dog. It is possible for someone to try to pull the starter rope when the motor is in gear, possibly jamming the starter lock. Then the cable might come slightly out of adjustment.

To verify the shift cable adjustment, disengage the clevis at the motor, make sure the RC box is in N, and the motor is in N (wiggle both to verify they are in dead center). Then see to it that the clevis slips over the shift arm freely, without needing any lengthening or shortening.

Full information for the motor is in the Factory service manual, Part# 003-21056-1, for $27.58, and the RC manual, available from any dealer, including me. There is also some cable adjustment info in the owner's manual.

 

[buccaneer_35]

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Re: Tohatsu 9.8 Engine won't start checklist - swamped engine?

Hi Paul,
For what it's worth, the two different warranty registration cards, the receipt (Feb.2005) and an printed web page (Dec.04) all list the same model number: MFS9.8A2 EPUL. On the same document, and elsewhere, it does list the shaft length as 25". The previous owner, and the one before him kept meticulous records - a couple of hundred pages worth, not including the original plans. Regardless, I'll be back to the boat in a couple of days to see if I can put your advice to good use. Thank you.

-phillip