Outboard problem

[Captain Coochie]

I was having problems with my 20 HP outboard stalling when in idle and sometimes not starting at all . I found the problem today as the clip inside the spark plug lead had flipped around and was not clipping onto the spark plug but touching it . This was giving a spark but now and again would move and the outboard would cut out . Its starts first time and ticks over lovely but now when i put it into gear it cuts out . Any ideas what could be causing this ?

 

[VicS]

Assuming you have sorted out the ignition system and it is firing properly on both/all cylinders it could be simply that the idle speed is set too low, that the idle mixture needs adjusting (if it is adjustable) or that the carb needs cleaning.

Start with the ignition system though. Clean and reset or replace plugs. Check for good spark at each plug.

The pros would probably suggest checking the compression!

 

[Captain Coochie]

It starts fine and is fine in neutral . it works when i over ride the gears to rev it but as soon as it goes in gear it stops dead . I'm a bit annoyed i didnt check the prop to see if it was fouled but i went down to fit the fish finder and having done that without shorting out the whole boat and then sorting the starting problem i was on a bit of a boaty high and just didnt think to do that .

 

[VicS]

Well worth checking the prop then.

 

[Captain Coochie]

I will be doing that first thing in the morning .
It's really annoying thinking you have all the problems sorted and then this happen /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Searush]

[ QUOTE ]
I will be doing that first thing in the morning .
It's really annoying thinking you have all the problems sorted and then this happen /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif welcome to "the world of boating!!" We are not alone . . .