Outboard addicted to Easy Start

[rgh27]

The marine engineer servicing my 1998 Yamaha 9.9hp outboard told me that I shouldn't keep using Easy Start as the engine gets addicted to it. I must admit that after a couple of attempts to start the outboard that I do give it a couple of squirts. How do I wean the outboard off of Easy Start?!

 

[fredrussell]

Old wive’s tale. You can have an engine that for one reason or another won’t start without it, but it’s not addicted to it - there’s just something wrong with the engine (fuel supply probably).

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Old wive’s tale. You can have an engine that for one reason or another won’t start without it, but it’s not addicted to it - there’s just something wrong with the engine (fuel supply probably).

Aren't there problems that can cause slow starting which are worsened by the use of Easy Start? That results in a situation where the engine slowly gets harder to start without Easy Start. I vaguely recall that it can cause increased wear in the piston rings, so you get slowly worsening compression. But surely, if the engine won't start without Easy Start, the obvious course is to diagnose what's wrong, not continue to use Easy Start.

 

[LittleSister]

I'm not sure about addiction - as suggested above, it's more, I think, that the original starting problem is not being addressed, and may well be getting worse. I would have thought the engineer should adjusting the engine so it starts more easily, or advising you on the correct starting technique, rather than just trying to dissuade you from using Easy Start.

I have read that Easy Start is liable to ignite too fast (compared to petrol or diesel), firing at or too near, Top Dead Centre, stressing the big end, little end and crankshaft bearings. If true, it suggests it's not something you want to be doing regularly.

Unless the engine is on its last legs and not worth spending money and effort on the solution is (a) to make sure you are using the correct starting technique (check the manual and ask someone experienced with outboards to try to start it for you to see if they're doing it differently), and (b) get an engineer (perhaps a different one?) to make sure it's set up properly or identify the fault.

 

[VicS]

I have read that Easy Start is liable to ignite too fast (compared to petrol or diesel), firing at or too near, Top Dead Centre, stressing the big end, little end and crankshaft bearings. If true, it suggests it's not something you want to be doing regularly.

This is the reason it should not be used on diesel engines. Ignition can occur before tdc!
The compression in a petrol engine is not high enough to ignite the easy start . It is ignited by the spark so ignition is at the normal ignition timing.
Easy start is not too good an idea with a petrol 2 stroke normally using premixed fuel because it contains no oil, but the OP does not say if his engine is a 2 stroke or 4 stroke

 

[Steve65]

Common issue on 9.9 Yamahas. In an attempt to make an engine more user friendly actually spoiled a really good engine.
The issue is the lack of choke, replaced by a troublesome primestart system.
If you are engineering minded replace the carb with a 10hp carb off another 4 stroke, make a choke linkage and your engine will start instantaneously from cold , run better and will be more efficient.
I successfully converted a 9.9 Yamaha last month.

 

[LittleSister]

There's always the hi-tech option - bluetooth linked servo operating a good old carb tickling button (to depress the float and overfill the float chamber to enrich the mixture)!

 

[Steve65]

There's always the hi-tech option - bluetooth linked servo operating a good old carb tickling button (to depress the float and overfill the float chamber to enrich the mixture)!

It already has an accelerator pump that squirts a jet into the inlet when pressing the throttle. Works when new, as diaphragms stretch
it is less efficient, price of new diaphragms will make your eyes water....if you can get them

 

[VicS]

The marine engineer servicing my 1998 Yamaha 9.9hp outboard told me that I shouldn't keep using Easy Start as the engine gets addicted to it. I must admit that after a couple of attempts to start the outboard that I do give it a couple of squirts. How do I wean the outboard off of Easy Start?!

Try new spark plugs if you've not already done so, especially if it a 2 stroke
Test the compression to determine if there is something wrong such as a bad head gasket, worn rings or bore etc that must be rectified before it will operate correctly..
Check the strength of the sparks. They should be able to jump a 7/16" air gap.. Preferably using an adjustable gap spark tester.
I assume we are not talking about an electric start engine but if so make sure you have a good and fully charged battery and that the engine is cranking fast enough.
If the sparks are weak you can test the ignition system to find the reason by following the procedures described in the CDI Electronics "Trouble Shooting Guide"

Get a different mechanic.

 

[penberth3]

This is the reason it should not be used on diesel engines. Ignition can occur before tdc!........

You'd better tell Cummins about that, it's been their original-fit cold start for more decades than I can remember.

 

[Steve65]

Try new spark plugs if you've not already done so, especially if it a 2 stroke
Test the compression to determine if there is something wrong such as a bad head gasket, worn rings or bore etc that must be rectified before it will operate correctly..
Check the strength of the sparks. They should be able to jump a 7/16" air gap.. Preferably using an adjustable gap spark tester.
I assume we are not talking about an electric start engine but if so make sure you have a good and fully charged battery and that the engine is cranking fast enough.
If the sparks are weak you can test the ignition system to find the reason by following the procedures described in the CDI Electronics "Trouble Shooting Guide"

Get a different mechanic.

I maybe wrong regarding the OP's model of engine but this is the most common issue on electric start cdi 4 stroke 9.9s.
Literally every single 9.9 I have had have had Primestart/ Carb issues.
Its such a shame as these engines are really well built and do get scrapped due to inability to buy / price of spares.
As said before a bit of working with the grey matter , a £15 ebay carb and £5 choke cable the engines run better than when new.

 

[Refueler]

1998 Yam 9.9 ?? I would expect to be a 2stroker ...........

Easy Start ? Engines do not get addicted to it ... I have an old 4-107 ... replaced a 4-99 .... both were started on ES for years - but I soon found I did not need it ...

My Outboards ranging from 2hp up to 45hp - all 2strokers have only had an odd day when ES used - after long storage to just get them to fire ...

The trick I found for all 2 strokers ... RUN THEM DRY at end of session ..... so carbs etc. are not bunged up when you want to start her next session. All I do is pump fuel in ... till hand bulb is harder to squeeze ... if choke - full choke to get it to fire .. choke in - pull and away she goes. If no choke .... then just make sure the priming by bulb is maximum you can get ... If electric start and no choke - then while turning her over - give the bulb a few squeezes to force fuel in ...

BUT - lets be honest - if service guy gave it back in poor starting condition - I'm not impressed ...

 

[Beneteau381]

The marine engineer servicing my 1998 Yamaha 9.9hp outboard told me that I shouldn't keep using Easy Start as the engine gets addicted to it. I must admit that after a couple of attempts to start the outboard that I do give it a couple of squirts. How do I wean the outboard off of Easy Start?!

Doesnt apply to petrol engines. Diesel engines can be damaged by Easy start, ignition in a diesel is caused by heat of the compression and the angle before top dead centre when the injectors inject. When you use easy start, it iginites randomly when it is hot enough and before the injector injects, this cause pre ignition which can compress the piston ring lands or breaks them, making it harder to start and so "addicted" Petrol engines compression ratio is such that the easy start doesnt self ignite, it is the spark plug that does it so no pre ignition, no extra stress on the pistons. Having to use easy start on a petrol egine is a sign of fuel starvation, ie blocked jets etc.