There are two different situations and degrees of panic related to troubleshooting outboard motors.
- The problem happens before you leave the boat ramp on you trip.
In your case this will only be a mild level of annoyance because you would have completed the
10 simple pre trip outboard motor checks to ensure your safe boating and avoidance of expensive outboard motor repairs...
or
- The problem happens when you are 30 kilometres offshore trolling or heading for the Abrolhos Island for a fishing trip.
Maybe gut wrenching panic is now the response.
However, I don't believe this is the case with you though because you will be travelling with a buddy boat and as part of your trip planning would have checked your marine radio and know it is operational.
What you need to do is know and follow a process of troubleshooting to isolate the problem and fix it.
This basic troubleshooting outboard motors chart works and may help you understand the cause and fix for problems that may happen to you.
Remember to read your outboard motor owners operating instructions which will provide information and advice on basic troubleshooting relating to your specific motor.
First things first though, if you motor stops, whatever you do ... don't keep cranking over the motor and flatten the battery or you really will be in trouble then.
Troubleshooting outboard motors - printer friendly download
Troubleshooting Outboard Motors Chart
| If the outboard motor was running and starts to miss or cough then stop. | * Check the fuel System line all the way through from the tank to the motor;
* Is there fuel in the tank?
* Is the fuel air vent wide open?
* Is the fuel line connected to the motor? Are there any loose fuel hose connections? Is the bulb or lines split - replace with spares from tool box.
* Is the fuel flowing to the motor without obstruction.
* Check the fuel filter/water separator, to see whether water is present. If it is then use a can of fuel system treatment such as Fortron Total Fuel System Treatment from your tool box to remove it safely through the system. Replace the filter if it is gummed up with debris or damaged due to the water build up. |
| Outboard motor suddenly stops | * Check the Fuel System (this is often the problem, particularly if you have tested your motor prior to leaving the boat ramp. See the previous solution for motors missing then stopping)
* Check for overheating due to blockages of water intakes. Depends on the motor but if is has an overheat caution system you would already have been alerted to this by the light and beeps/siren indicators. If blockage is not the cause then your water pump may be at fault..Visit to your local outboard repair Shop
* Make sure you haven't pulled out the emergency kill switch. |
| Outboard motor wont start | * After checking your fuel lines and all is now in order the engine wont start.
* Just check one more time that the fuel is connected and primer bulb is hard.
* Check the gears are not engaged.
* Make sure the emergency kill switch is attached
* Visually check the all wiring and batteries for clean contacts and no corrosion. If necessary clean the terminals and switch batteries.
* Check the fuse is not blown.
* Check the connections to the starter key in the dashboard and make sure they are not loose.
* Check your spark plugs to ensure they are not loose and the plug connecters are firmly attached . |
|
Outboard Motor Starts but runs rough. | * Check the spark plugs for ignition spark.
* Carefully remove the plugs with your plug wrench and check their condition. Normal is a grey colour with few deposits present on the insulator.
* An eroded plug could be caused by overheating, too hot plug bad timing bad water pump or overloaded.
* Wet fouling with wet black carbon. Caused by oil such as a bad fuel oil mix or too cold plug.
* Water fouling means water in fuel or leaking head gasket.
* Raw petrol means no spark.
* Check the spark plugs gaps and regap them with the tool in your tool box or replace the plugs as needed from the spares you carry in your toolbox. |
|
Engine runs but vibrates excessively | Check your engine mounting bolts and clamp screws are not loose.
* Check the propellor is not fouled with seaweed or some other foreign object.
* Check the propellor spins and is not damaged or unbalanced.
|
| Propellor is not turning | * Remove and debris from propellor and around shaft.
* Check the gear selector is in drive.
* Check that the shear pin is not broken.
|
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