Suzuki 2.2 HP outboard runs for a minute or so then stops

[Avocet]

Any thoughts as to what might be wrong with it please? It's old, but hasn't done many hours. Always starts first or second pull. Runs for anything up to a minute and then just dies. The revs drop off as if it had run out of fuel. When it does this, it nearly always re-starts straight away. It's certainly not seizing (I can turn it over easily as soon as it stops). I assumed it was the tank vent not letting air back into the tank, but I tried it without the filler cap on today and it did the same thing. I've had the carburetor bowl off an there was no water inside. I drained it and mixed up a fresh batch of fuel too. Still no joy.

 

[Lakesailor]

Fuel filter. Maybe in the tank or in-line.

Or jamming needle valve in float chamber.

 

[tonygibbs]

As above. I would also be tempted to dismantle the carb to make sure the jets are clear.

 

[Dipper]

I had exactly that with mine - also a very lightly used Suzuki 2.2. It turned out to be the spark plug even though it looked perfect and was showing a good spark when tested. I had already replaced the plug once which solved it for a couple of short runs but when the fault returned, I discounted that as the problem. Eventually a dealer tried another new plug and it has been running fine ever since. Get two new plugs and keep one as a spare.

 

[VicS]

Fuel filter. Maybe in the tank or in-line.

Or jamming needle valve in float chamber.

Filter is ITYWF in the tank as part of the fuel tap assembly

As Dipper suggests often a good plan to change the plug.

 

[Avocet]

Filter is ITYWF in the tank as part of the fuel tap assembly

As Dipper suggests often a good plan to change the plug.

Thanks all. Hadn't thought of the plug (it's relatively new) but worth a shot, I guess. Pretty certain the filter in the fuel tap is OK, because there's a pretty rapid flow of fuel through the tap when I take the hose off the carb and just let it run into a jam jar. Haven't been brave enough to take the carb to bits, but I guess that's the next thing I ought to try after the plug.

 

[stevebrassett]

If it is not used much, it may well be gummed up. Strip the carb, and give everything a good soaking in carb cleaner. My guess is a problem somewhere around the float area.

 

[Lakesailor]

If it was jets gummed up it wouldn't start or run well. The fact it lasts a minute points to the needle valve.

 

[gregcope]

If it is not used much, it may well be gummed up. Strip the carb, and give everything a good soaking in carb cleaner. My guess is a problem somewhere around the float area.

If it was jets gummed up it wouldn't start or run well. The fact it lasts a minute points to the needle valve.

Had a similar issue with a 3.3. Running for a bit then restarting implies either feul or plug. Plug easy to replace. If that does not solve it as the above posters have mentioned, it is most probably a feul issue.

Mine was a problem with the needle assembly ... replaced some parts (that looked ok) and now it runs. The needle and jet it fits in are precision parts (I know it is a 2Stroke so not that precise) and mine had corrosion (salty white stains)