Can't get my Mariner 6hp to start

[Nidri240]

Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

Hello all

I have acquired a Mariner 6hp from 1996 which came with a boat I recently bought (6 months ago). The outboard was running at the time.

I have now come to try and start it and it won't go!

I have checked all the usual suspects, spark, fuel to carb, choke advancing timing etc. but I can't even get it to fire.

Does anyone have experience of this engine who could offer me some advice?

Thanks

Giles

 

[andy_wilson]

Stale fuel....

.. try some fresh mix. If successfull dilute the old stuff down with fresh, or just chuck it.

 

[Nidri240]

Re: Stale fuel....

Already got fresh fuel in it. I've even tried putting the plugs in the oven. Not even a single fire!

 

[StugeronSteve]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

Try draining the carb bowl and check the jets aren't gummed up. Our honda 2hp let us down for the first time last year, I could get fuel through and out of the overflow, but the carb bowl was still full of manky old petrol when I drained it. Blew the lines through with the dinghy pump as well. Put it back together and away on the second pull, as per usual.

 

[tugboat]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

Take the plugs out, fit the plug leads and rest the plugs against the cylinder to see if they spark when you turn the engine. Also try sniffing the open plug holes to check for smell of petrol. That should narrow it down to fuel or ignition prob.

 

[jjj]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6 HP to start

Try spraying moisture repellent around the electrical system ie coil,mag, electronic pickup etc. Try testing the coil or low tension wires for open circuit. Has it got an manual on/off switch? this my be malfunctioning.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6 HP to start

All the above, plus a little neat petrol, careful now, into the spark plug hole, get the plug in quick and give her a tug on the string!

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

I assume you have checked the points, or is that pointless /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[broadcaster]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

This is a bit dangerous, but we have had this a few times at the start of the season and the only way to get it to work was to heat the spark plugs with a blow torch until they are quite hot. Quickly install the spark plug and try starting.

Be careful not to burn your fingers trying to get the spark plug back in though and don't do it near a source of petrol.

 

[VicMallows]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

Lack of compression? (heating spark plug).

Personally would go for the points (if it has any) as first port of call.

Vic

 

[Manxman]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

If after following all the above advice, you are still having problems I suggest you post on www.iboats.com this is probably the best site on the net for outboard problems, speaking from my own experience

 

[William_H]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

After cleaning the plug and trying yet again to start it if you remove and look at the plug it will be obvious if fuel is getting in to the cylinder. ie oily and moist. This will then indicate an ignition problem. You should check with a multimeter for eresistance of the plug lead to ground and should be in the range very low up to 100000 ohms. Any more may indicate a crook lead or connection at the plug cap. I assume you have fitted a new plug. If there is no spark then you are looking for a new ignition unit. Certainly on Johnson they give trouble. A dealer has the advantage of having a spare to try substitution so may bne a last resort. good luck will

 

[Nidri240]

Re: Can\'t get my Mariner 6hp to start

Thanks for all your suggestions, unfortunately the thing still refuses to give any sign of life. It's booked in with the professionals today.

Giles