Not lowering outboard before starting

[Adetheheat]

What damage happens if someone starts the outboard engine before lowering it into the water? Is it just the impeller that gets damaged?

 

[ChromeDome]

If it is air cooled nothing gets damaged

 

[colhel]

How long was it running out of the water?

 

[julians]

if its just a couple/few of seconds then probably no damage.

if a bit longer then you could damage the impeller, if even longer then you over heat the engine with all the associated damage that could do

 

[Bigplumbs]

If the impeller was wet it is a bit longer than if it were dry

 

[Adetheheat]

Thanks all