Outboard won't start -

G

Giles_1st

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Hi Guys

This is my first post after very recently getting my first boat :) for those interested it's a 17ft microplus.

Now I've got a couple of questions regarding the outboard but first and foremost I can't seem to get the engine started!

It's worth noting on my two previous trips to the boat the engine started first time no problems both electronically and manually.

Now, it'll crank electronically, but won't fire up - it'll make a whirring noise and stop. It's worth noting i can't seem to pull start it as it seems to be to tough to pull the chord out properly? it's not jammed but if i pull it will start lifting the outboard out if were to pull hard enough.

Engine spec:

Suzuki DT25 C two stroke oil injection. think the year is 94 or 95.

I've got a video of me trying to start it today which i'll try and upload.

Thank you in anticipation

Giles
 
Welcome to the forum.
You say the engine makes a whirring noise but fails to start. Is it turning over or is the starter motor simply running without engaging and turning the engine over? That may well tie in with your not being able to use the pull start, because the starter motor is jammed on some way. No experience of your particular motor but I'd check the starter motor out first and make sure it's engaging and disengaging properly.
 
With the engine in gear try jiggling the prop back and forth. Try jiggling in both forward and reverse gears and see if you can free off the motor and pull the starter cord to see if it's turning. If you're not sure whether it's simply compression then whip out the spark plugs and try jiggling and pulling the cord again. If it's free it will be easy to pull on the cord with no plugs.

Richard
 
"If you're not sure whether it's simply compression then whip out the spark plugs and try jiggling and pulling the cord again. If it's free it will be easy to pull on the cord with no plugs."

If you're hydro-locked, doing this wall also release some fluid from the spark plug hole (catch it with a cloth or something). If that's the case, keep pulling the chord until the liquid stops coming, then clean your spark plug, and put it all back together. You should find the engine will start. There'll be black smoke for a while.
 
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Hi guys, thank you so much for your responses!

I'm currently at work but will upload my video tonight which should hopefully clarify what I tried to describe.


Thanks again

Giles
 
Giles_1st said:
Hi Guys

This is my first post after very recently getting my first boat :) for those interested it's a 17ft microplus.

Now I've got a couple of questions regarding the outboard but first and foremost I can't seem to get the engine started!

It's worth noting on my two previous trips to the boat the engine started first time no problems both electronically and manually.

Now, it'll crank electronically, but won't fire up - it'll make a whirring noise and stop. It's worth noting i can't seem to pull start it as it seems to be to tough to pull the chord out properly? it's not jammed but if i pull it will start lifting the outboard out if were to pull hard enough.

Engine spec:

Suzuki DT25 C two stroke oil injection. think the year is 94 or 95.

I've got a video of me trying to start it today which i'll try and upload.

Thank you in anticipation

Giles
Click to expand...

some thoughts to add to the suggestions etc above:

If the starter motor spins but does not turn (" crank") the engine this could be due to the Bendix not running freely on the starter motor shaft, your battery not being properly charged or there being poor electrical connections.

Check that if you turn the Bendix with your fingers it will do so freely and rise up the shaft until it engages with the gear on the flywheel. If necessary clean and lubricate very very lightly.
Check that your battery is fully charged and that all the connections are clean and tight.

When using the rope staret you must engage the tilt lock or the motor will simply tilt towards you. ( it must also be engaged when going astern or the motor will tilt as the prop climbs out of the water)
 
Yes, vent on fuel tank open.

It'll turn over fine until it does that 'whir' and then shakes a tad the cuts out as per the video. i'll then need to re-turn the key to get it turning again.

Next time i pop down i'll check for sparks when turning. i looked at them last time (when not turning) and they looked brand new.

Giles
 
Giles_1st said:
Yes, vent on fuel tank open.

It'll turn over fine until it does that 'whir' and then shakes a tad the cuts out as per the video. i'll then need to re-turn the key to get it turning again.

Next time i pop down i'll check for sparks when turning. i looked at them last time (when not turning) and they looked brand new.

Giles
Click to expand...

You need to check for an electrical spark jumping across the electrodes of the spark plug once the plug is removed from the cylinder and laid on top of the fins and the engine is being turned over.

Richard
 
RichardS said:
You need to check for an electrical spark jumping across the electrodes of the spark plug once the plug is removed from the cylinder and laid on top of the fins and the engine is being turned over.

Richard
Click to expand...
in fact even a spark which will jump across the plug electrodes may not be good enough. It should be possible get sparks which will jump best part of a centimetre from the plug leads.
 
Giles_1st said:
Yes, vent on fuel tank open.

It'll turn over fine until it does that 'whir' and then shakes a tad the cuts out as per the video. i'll then need to re-turn the key to get it turning again.

Giles
Click to expand...
So that's not you letting go of the button?

Flat battery so it can't crank beyond the first compression stroke?

Can you actually turn the engine by hand or will it crank so far and hit a dead stop?

Missing tooth from the starter ring so the bendix disengages?
 
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