Boat engine doesn't start all of a sudden

[QBhoy]

I’d be suspecting one of the following;
Bad battery connection
Bad earth or connection to starter
The integrity or continuity of the main fuse and or fuse assembly (happened to me)
The starter is less than great and or bendix sticking.

But if after a quick visual around the above and before going too balls deep intrusive…I’d 100% be taking the spark plugs out and see if she does the same thing or not…that would tell a tale of its own. By doing so, make sure the plugs aren’t wet with signs of water. This would indicate your issue is caused by hydro locking, with the ingress of water where it shouldn’t be.
I might also be tempted to do a quick compression test too…just to rule out the worst case scenario

 

[Bigplumbs]

Used to think similar, but since learned that it’s not always the case bigplumbs. But for the sake of this event, I’d strongly think most 60hp 2 strokes over a certain age would likely turn over without the lanyard in.
But I know for sure that some more modern outboards won’t turn over. Only because I tried it yesterday on my own outboard. I was wanting to turn her over without firing up straight away, just to avoid a stone cold start up in -8 temperatures!

yes but this is an older 2 stroke. He has been given loads of advice but seems not to be doing any of it and certainly not reporting back

 

[Portofino]

2T can be temperamental ( talking from classic Spanish dirt bike experience) .
You need at some stage to get the plug out for examination.As mentioned ^by Q boy .

Basically two things need attention depending on hrs run as time goes by .
1- check the timing and points gap + periodically clean or replace the points or retro fit a electronic ignition kit .
2- the lower crank seals go …….insidiously.This results to either air sucking in from the lower case from the flywheel side leaning out the mixture or / and oil from the gear cases seeping in on that side = Smokey exhaust, and as you say after an initial run difficult starting .This is from a fouled plug due to too much oil as it’s burning gear oil as well .

It at this stage you figure in a pair of new crank seals .They all go on 2T s .

As I said timing is critical for easy start .


The basic turn over stuff has already been covered …….but an oiled up plug from dodgy crank seals and 1/2 a degree out on the flywheel = a No starter or extra vigour in starting resulting for you extra strain the components already mentioned.


My right leg muscles are bigger than my left kicking up my old Montesa.

 

[Boathook]

I feel the the OP is struggling on the mechanical side and really needs to get an outboard engineer involved. The cheaper option is another boat owner who understands outboards.

 

[PaulRainbow]

There is nothing wrong with the pics that the OP linked to, but he won't be able to upload them as they are too big.

Looking at them, the wiring and connections are pretty rubbish. The short video suggests a relay behind the dash somewhere that is clicking, but nothing else is happening. Dodgy relay or dodgy connections, anyones guess.

With respect to the OP, if he doesn't even know what a starter motor looks like, he needs someone to help.

 

[QBhoy]

yes but this is an older 2 stroke. He has been given loads of advice but seems not to be doing any of it and certainly not reporting back

Suppose we can only presume at the minute. But think I said most older would be as you said

 

[xclusive]

some photos of the engine attached. pardon me for not responding to all your responses. rest assured i am trying to follow all your advice.

as i said, I have no idea about a boat engine and where the started motor is. a help locating would be much appreciated.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Right here you go. I have marked up a pic. To do this you need to disconnect the connections at the battery or you could have a big spark:

1) The thing with the red blob is the starter Motor
2) The thing with the Pink cross is the solinoid, Clean and make sure these connections are all good
3) The bit with the green circle is the bendix.... It wont be this but wiggle it by hand and apply some oil to the teeth
4) All the connections with the blue crosses are connections that need cleaning and making sure they are tight and have a good connection.
5) Before you do any of this make sure the Battery is charged fully and also clean and slightly sand the battery terminals and connections and make sure they are tight. Try a start after you do this first.

If you still have the problem move onto the items above No 5.

Generally that looks a decent engine

 

[Bigplumbs]

If all this does not work it is most likely the solinoid........ Dont trust the voltage showing at the Battery charge it up or try a good battery that you know is good

 

[Bigplumbs]

Where are you in the world

 

[xclusive]

I am from Melbourne, Australia.

It's 1.30am so I'll give your advise a go tomorrow.

 

[Boathook]

Where are you in the world

Looking at the flag on the engine the OP is in Australia.

Edit, beaten to it.

 

[PaulRainbow]

If all this does not work it is most likely the solinoid........ Dont trust the voltage showing at the Battery charge it up or try a good battery that you know is good

Given that there is a click from behind the dash, and those solenoid switching wires look a bit chunky, there is likely to be a relay behind the dash, that needs checking too ? Would be my first place to start, then follow all of your cleaning tips.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Given that there is a click from behind the dash, and those solenoid switching wires look a bit chunky, there is likely to be a relay behind the dash, that needs checking too ? Would be my first place to start, then follow all of your cleaning tips.

Yes good point. Not sure why there would be a relay there though to be honest

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes good point. Not sure why there would be a relay there though to be honest

The wiring on the solenoid looks quite heavy, maybe the starter key/button is only light duty ?

 

[xclusive]

Sorry about the late reply. I ended up taking it to a mechanic and a wiring issue was found behind the steering wheel. About 1 meter of cable was replaced for $250 dollars.

Thank you all for all your messages and helpful suggestions.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Sorry about the late reply. I ended up taking it to a mechanic and a wiring issue was found behind the steering wheel. About 1 meter of cable was replaced for $250 dollars.

Thank you all for all your messages and helpful suggestions.

Have you learnt some things so that next time you can save yourself $250 ?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Sorry about the late reply. I ended up taking it to a mechanic and a wiring issue was found behind the steering wheel. About 1 meter of cable was replaced for $250 dollars.

Thank you all for all your messages and helpful suggestions.

The $250 presumably included the time it took to find the fault and the years of experience that allowed the guy to be able to do it ?

 

[Bigplumbs]

The $250 presumably included the time it took to find the fault and the years of experience that allowed the guy to be able to do it ?

Years of Experience...... Should you pay for that or have you already been paid over all those years

 

[PaulRainbow]

Years of Experience...... Should you pay for that or have you already been paid over all those years

You don't have to pay for it, you can stick with a non-starting engine.