2 stroke outboard won't run? Try this before sending it to mechanics. DIY cheap.

I have a 1994 Suzuki 115 2-stroke that left me stranded on the river because it wouldn't run. Here's what i did & how i did it for under $10. It's a very easy DIY project that mostly anyone can do without paying those expensive mechanic bills. I'm happy to answer any questions if something was missed in the video. As always thanks for watching.

[@maxd2491]

Awesome video. Thanks for posting. We don’t send anything to the shop, we do it ourselves…love it!

[@zdenkopodrug2175]

A word of advice if I may: Please change your gray fuel line to black, these gray ones have an inner lining that sheds over time. Also try cleaning up your fuel tank and carbs( copper wire for the holes and carb cleaner +pressurized air). Believe me it s worth your time. All the best from Vodice, Croatia

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

I agree 100%. I've done carbs, and ordered hose since video.

[@gohanalmonte573]

@@freshwaterfiend6268 Where did you get the black fuel hose? Thanks

[@WhoRambo06]

@@gohanalmonte573 auto zone tell them u need fuel line universal 3/8

[@alecmorrison1103]

Have you checked your vacuum and supply on the low pressure fuel pump?

[@jamesmeliti9572]

How much seafoam did you use? Is it for marine use ?

[@wilfor03]

Just now saw your video....outstanding logic there Mate....just bought a Nissan 9.9hp 2 stroke that hasn't been run for over 6 years and I'm gonna add a can of seaform in the first tank of gas and see what the water looks like coming out after she starts up. I pulled the carb and cleaned it, new fuel pump, Impeller, and spark plugs....Hope mine goes as good as yours....and thank you for the time to make the video....

[@TODinWY]

I like your outlook. Exactly the same as mine. It's amazing what can be accomplished with Gumout, Seafoam, and carb cleaner.

[@dalebirdsell526]

Thanks for your time,it was very useful. I'm having firing problems with my Mercury 400. I'm a good auto mechanic but never touched a marine engine until now. But learning quickly! Thanks again

[@mercman2.5]

Quicksilver power tune, spray it, fog it out, crank it an hour later. Great stuff

[@texasghost-rider]

Thanks for sharing

[@gilfredooquendo9969]

Great video friend I just bought me my first project boat and I will definitely need your expertise

[@joeattard4819]

I'm like yourself. Rather do it myself than pay a mechanic. I do have a reasonable history working on all types of motors and it's good to see guys like yourself giving it a crack. Now I'm from down under in Australia and we use to just run straight water through the motor down the carbie throat and watch the crap come out of the exhaust on our cars. I've never tried it on an outboard.

[@dustinschmidt5279]

You are full of faith. I like that!! S. Idaho here!

[@matthewpizaro1276]

Good stuff mate, this video saved me some money 💰 Keep the videos coming. Australia 🇦🇺

[@miguelhernandez8280]

Thanks for the tips might do this to my new boat purchase

[@daviddrew2321]

Thanks for the helpful vid mate👍

[@DaleNolan]

Never mind I actually got to watch the rest of video great job brotherman!

[@MatthewMorris-ei1gk]

Thanks brother I'm troubke shooting my 65 🐴 mercury even if it doesn't work appreciate u posting this I'm in the same boat when it c comes to doing it myself u have a new subscriber good luck and God bless (Rockwood Michigan)

[@rickygilbert5136]

Enjoyed the video. I need to do the same to mine,it’s also been sitting for a while and I couldn’t get it to keep running when I tried. You gave me some good ideas to try. Thanks

[@fishfinder4]

Nice job, I've got a 2 stroke Yamaha with the same hard start issue... I'm gonna try this...

[@sploper5]

Dude. I bought a 1998 Nitro with a 115 Tracker by Merc. Hadn’t ran in two years. Was taken home and parked and left for dead. I changed lower unit oil and spark plugs. Emptied old gas. Put in fresh and added sea foam. Followed your method with the carb cleaner and after about 30 minutes I had it purring. I found that a big help was to press the key in when it started to cut off and that was the trick to keep it running long enough to clean itself out. Really appreciate the vid. Steve in NC.

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

That's awesome. 👍🏻👊🏻

[@brandone6252]

Nc here buddy

[@tunnelvision1]

Did the same thing on my force120 and it solved my issues. Thanks!

[@CDavid1951]

I am in the middle of getting a mercury 40 hp two stroke motor starting. I bought the starter and solenoid today after watching videos and talking to an outboard mechanic. Like you I don't want to take it to a shop and spend a lot to get this motor running. Plus this will give me some knowledge on my boat motor for future problems. I like watching videos where others can fix or solve a problem that could help me in the future. Keep up the good work I will subscribe and watch more of your home fix videos and outdoor fishing exploits.

[@randallhudson6823]

Helped a lot having same trouble with my mercury 25hp gonna try this

[@darwinvinson3157]

This video is very informative. I have a 40 hp Yamaha 2 stroke. I think this will help me since my motor was acting just like yours. Keep up the good work!

[@marksword9506]

Need to do the same to mine. Compression good , spark excellent,fuel no good.I cleaned out the fuel tank and added new premixed fuel , cleaned out the carbs and checked out the fuel pump.She now runs good, with no issues.

[@osbornebay944]

Good work man! I can tell its a Suzuki, just love them. Now I have 2 DT140 2000-2001 double injected , which is similar to my DT225, 94, still runs like new and very easy on gas.

[@rhettdog3265]

Cool video. I think I have same issue 2003 Johnson 115. From Australia.

[@user-eb7kj7cg9l]

U remind me of myself thanks very much for your information. Roger

[@geraldhawkins2643]

Just got a mercury 15hp did the same thing and shes purring like a kitten now!!

[@garyrussell7750]

Suscribed and gave ya a thumbs up. Ive been doing this to my 3 motorcycles for the past 23 years and use seafoam in my 2001 F150 as well. Every spring I put a half bottle in my motorcycles, then repeat in 3 months. In the truck use a half bottle in the spring and then in the winter to do the same. Just bought a Tracker DeepV 17 with a Mariner 60HP 2 stroker, all vintage 1995. It runs good now cause the owner replaced plugs, impeller, etc.. but I plan to add seafoam to my first full tank of gas when I pick the boat up this weekend coming and will replace the fuel lines to black. Thanks again for the demo. I havent owned a boat since 73 to 1978 so I forgot what I knew about the outboards! LOL

[@timdare0831]

I think you got it. Sounds good to me

[@danhillman4523]

As far as mechanic in a can goes, that stuff is as good as it gets.

[@danroos1002]

Helpful video man. I just inherited a little Mako 171 ‘94 with a mercury outboard. Going to try clean the carbs and follow your lead here too. Thanks man, love your attitude

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Good luck with the Mako.. Nothing better than working on your own boat, and getting to know everything about it. You'll have alot more appreciation for it. More videos coming if i ever get enough time off to edit them.

[@cohoking1532]

Great boat my brother has same one

[@cadencekingi6473]

I’m having issues with my boat here in nz 😂 thanks brother for the video.

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

It's a never ending cycle with all boats, especially 2 strokes

[@ThankyouJesusChrist]

I love the video Brother! You definitely got a sub from me. Keep up the good work 👏

[@jeffreysmall5259]

Good for you. That will Work.

[@stanislausroberts1749]

I like it!!! Really helped me out. Thank you.

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Glad it helped.

[@officialWWM]

You’re a legend! I have a 50hp Merc that’s giving me very similar issues. I bought the boat off an old guy who did a lot of trout fishing and I suspect he did a lot of slow speed trolling, so I’m hoping the motor is just carboned up. I just ordered a can of that seafoam to give it a try. (It’s hard to get here in Australia). Wish me luck!

[@frankfallujah4113]

How’d ya go mate ?

[@officialWWM]

@@frankfallujah4113 well, turns out I have zero compression in the bottom cylinder :( I think the lower crankcase seal failed and let moisture into the cylinder. I suspect it leaned out and failed. I actually picked up another engine the same that had a siezed gearbox, so I’m in the process of swapping the power heads over. I will be replacing the lower seal before I put it back together 😂

[@135-j]

Yamaha ring free is great stuff for that

[@beverleygregory]

Hey bud just a follow up from canada here. So I took out the 14ft fishing boat with a 25hp older 1986 mercury 2 stroke outboard . I fiddled with the screws and choke stuff ect before going on the trip and got to get it to start pretty good as I had previosly installed electric a starter ect ( cant pull on the cord to much anymore AGE you know what I mean )anyway up on the lake same kind of thing again, had to keep cranking with the starter to get it to fire up, when it did and got warmed up ,it ran like a bird, following day same thing lots of cranking then ran like a bird, its a 1986 but looks brand new Ive had it for 30yrs but hardly used it , now retired I use it more often, there cant be too much wrong with it as I mentioned it looks brand new, so I plan to try your method of cleaning with the gum out and sea foam hope it helps thanks for your time to share the info

[@miltonbarnes3022]

Great video, I have a 1990 115 mercury, unlike yours in this video, mine was running just find and went out a couple of weeks ago and it turned over but wouldn't start was out the weekend before do you have any suggestions?

[@MikeColosky-vr5uy]

My Mercury is doing the same thing as yours was. I am going to give this a try and hope it works for mine. Thanks for the video.

[@StarKillersSon]

any update

[@MikeColosky-vr5uy]

@@StarKillersSon took it to the shop, no luck with it

[@raymondbutler9210]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm having trouble getting my Merc 150 EFI started. It ran great two days ago, but when I cut it off, no start again! Glad I was back at the dock when it decided not to start again! It's done this before. Last trip to the shop cost me $500, and this is what I got for it! No more! I'm going to follow your lead! Will let you know how it comes out! Thanks a bunch!

[@danroos1002]

How did it go

[@chpr1318]

@@danroos1002🇺🇸1992 55 hp yamaha,has sat 2 years wont start unless i use starting fluid then runs but idles ruff. Im fixn to get some seafoam tmrw and try this,i will let u know how it goes tmrw after im done!🇺🇸

[@chpr1318]

@@danroos1002🇺🇸ok did the 15 on 15 off till ran through 1 gal. Just went out 2 1/2 hours later and it started. It hasnt done that at all. Tomorrow will be the real test,have good night!🇺🇸

[@that_crankytf9571]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺

[@StormLaker]

This offers some insight. I had mine in the shop a few weeks ago- got to the boat ramp....and nothing. The guy that worked on it said it would start hard....but this was ridiculous. So this weekend, going to try this, along with some fresh gas. The gas that I have in there is a mixture from last fall, and January before I drove it home from my Father-in-Laws house. We've never had issues with this motor not starting- always started on first crank for 20 years. Great engine.....but we're perplexed after having it professionally tuned up and having the carb rebuilt.

[@nateroot]

Throw away all of the old gas and start fresh

[@StormLaker]

@@nateroot Took it to another shop- ended up being that the idle was set too low on the carb. They got it set right, the motor starts/runs better than I've heard it run in years, lol.

[@kingfish3066]

Yep that stuff does wonders I put a can of it with every few fill up and that helps keep your carbs clean also you can get a clear fuel line now not black where you can see your fuel and see what's going on with it one other thing I might add is it doesn't look like you have a ground on your fuel tank to the fuel fill cat very important enjoy the video

[@OmarAlvarez-mg3kl]

I saw your video, I have faith it's going to help me cus my Johnson sounds just as bad and did the sa as your mercury.i will try it myself n hope it works on mine.thank you I will keep you posted.

[@missionlures3668]

Did you try this method? I have a Johnson as well that has the same issue. Wondering if it helped.

[@l13v08p]

Need to try the hot soak trick

[@Z-Ack]

Outboards for ya.. i got an old 79 evinrude 100hp and if you arent smelling gas the whole time while youre on the boat than it aint gonna run.. ive resinked the carbs, cleaned the thing inside and out, rebuilt the fuel pump, and all but that motor just likes to spit gas out the carbs... starts first. Rip almost every time except after winter for that start.. i like using an atf mix in the 50:1 every couple of years, seems to keep it clean.. or some rotella / diesel oil.. no less than 50:1 though..

[@rumbleseat1]

Maybe...just maybe.. if fuel is coming out of your carbs, you MIGHT want to check the reed valves. IMHO

[@ryanratcliff7462]

Seafoam is an amazing product I use it to stabilize my fuel.

[@myaceofdiamonds1]

Thank you very much I'm having the exact same issues with my Yamaha 225. I'm going to try your fix this weekend I had a feeling it was something to do with the injectors or a dirty fuel system. I will give an update if this fixes it thank you

[@missionlures3668]

Did it solve the issue?

[@user-ip6yw4zz9v]

Where u were spraying the carb cleaner, what’s that location, looked to be where spark plugs are located, but normally on other side? Great video!

[@beverleygregory]

good for you love your honesty and simplistic way

[@coreyhollender7241]

Hey just wondering what size motor that is? Just bought a bass boat with a 85hp Suzuki , got crank but won’t fire have spark and compression next is the fuel to check any other ideas thanks

[@caseyweber9492]

Went from a drunk man yelling at himself in an alley to purring like a kitten.

[@HighRangeHunting]

Glad for this videeo...I have a susuki 30hp on my little flat bottom and its been cutting off during idle, once it going it runs liek a dream but the idle kills it. Will try this treatemtns!

[@Fishermattmatt93]

Did that work? Cause I have the same thing happening.

[@HighRangeHunting]

@@Fishermattmatt93 been traveling these few weeks...gonna do it when i get home

[@inked4011]

I have a older Mariner 2 stroke 40HP. Would only run with high idle switch up. Turn it off it would die. Came home used a full can of seafoam. Now runs great at idle and wide open.

[@HighRangeHunting]

@@Fishermattmatt93 so far works, I. Also gonna put a new water pump too

[@brianschrier6193]

@@inked4011 Ive got a 1986 Mariner 150, been sitting a couple years. Was my father in laws. He used to put seafoam in it every year. I kinda forgot about it and now the fuel pick up is missing. Guess Im gonna dump the tanks & start fresh.

[@williambrown238]

For your hot soak dud you use 1 can of sea foam to a gal of gas? Did you leave your oil mix at 50:1? I have twin Johnson 175's that don't like to idle all the time. Have rebuild all 6 carbs on one of the engines it helped but didn't completely cure it. I'm wondering if the Reed valves might be gummed up too. Boat set for about a year before I got it.

[@josedejesus3193]

You hit on the spot . Mine wont start , been sitting.

[@ronrendon]

Greetings from San Antonio. Texas

[@ericelmer5289]

What was that that you were spraying that fluid into? Did you take off the fuel rails?

[@earlraines6152]

Check compression on all cylinders

[@user-iq1di1wu8j]

Did you add the whole bottle of seafoam to that 1 gallon?

[@timothyjones4638]

How do you hot soap the outboard motor?

[@rgboyte]

Wow!😊

[@AMFishing.]

I have an evinrude 200 xp that has been sitting and im having isues with it not wanting to idle in the water. Have a feeling this what you did might help it.. How much sea foam do you recommend using per gallon. And thanks for your video hopefully it will help

[@corbangillen2099]

Get one gallon of gas and add one regular sea foam bottle like shown in the video and run that gallon + that sea foam you added at full speed then mid range to idle and repeat. Until that gas is gone. Should clean out your carbs. Because In your carbs you have an idling pin a mid range pin and a wide open pin your idling pin might be clogged. Hope this helps

[@AMFishing.]

@@corbangillen2099 hey thank you sir I appreciate it. I will let you know

[@DaleNolan]

Well how did it do after sitting a few days?

[@danielscrapper8207]

Run some quicksilver quickleen in the gas its amazing stuff!

[@littleladybikernidhy7792]

Wow wonderful ❤️🥰🥰🥰💞💞🥰💞🥰

[@derekquebedeaux412]

This might be a stupid question but the gallon gas you put the sea foam in does it need the 2 cycle engine oil it like you would be running normally or is it just gas and sea foam mixture ?

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Definitely want to add the oil same as always. Hope it helps

[@danieljandt6981]

Nice, I do the same, my wife is the breaker I'm the fixer. I need a vacation. So I'm getting a 250xb with low compression on 1 cylinder and going to spend some time in the shop. LMAO

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Shop time, and solo fishing/hunting are some of the best times. Just can't admit that to loudly. Lol

[@chrisjones1468]

What brand engine and boat is this? I’m having the same issue with a 1999 Nitro 884 with a Mercury 150

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

It's a Suzuki DT115. Sometimes after a good cleaning the carbs need to be synced back up. They get just a hair out of tune.

[@dauricas]

What was actually the problem ?

[@victornelson9523]

Replacing the control box with a new one on a 1978 Johnson seahorse 115hp

[@Mr-Myautorepair]

Grazie del consiglio, anche a me piace farmi i lavori da solo. Ti stimo, saluti dall'Italia bro'

[@bjrn-erikmichalsen2825]

Why does it work when you are spraying carb cleaner into the carburettor? Is it because it cleans something making fuel available for the carburettor? Or is it because the engine can actually run on carburettor cleaner?

[@ArrowItArchery]

The carb cleaner is combustible like fuel. Spraying it into the air intake serves as a fuel delivery when the carbs are failing to do so. It's a good testing tool for engines to determine a "no start" from lack of fuel or spark. If an engine briefly busts off from carb cleaner, it's an indicator that it's a fuel related issue. If it won't briefly bust off, it's most likely a spark/electrical problem because nothing is igniting the fuel. It can get deeper than that, but that's a basic rundown. 😁

[@jdram58]

n Suzuki's are good motors to though I dont see a lot of them in my area more common in oregon n Washington

[@vincentpiccoli8028]

Yes you do have a clogged yet make sure you do not take it out and try to flag it because you will burn a hole in the piston was not getting proper fuel to the piston able to just get too hot the other cylinders will work fine but that one will burn a hole right through your pistol be very careful

[@AN-kg4ei]

quick tip if needing starting fluid for a 2 stroke... put mixed gas in spray bottle and use that so you don't cook the top end. If stuck, spray penetrating oil first and then the starting fluid.

[@jdram58]

And also them grey fuel lines tend to get plugged a lot as well n need to be replaced

[@jailson_motouber]

Parabéns

[@Rem1061]

Wow, dry water pump= no more water pump paddles=replace water pump because you didn't hook up any water to it.

[@gilianrampart8514]

Gray line is for ethanol

[@iFixJunk]

Gray line may be for "above deck" use. There's black line made for "below deck." However, I don't know for certain that all manufacturers follow that scheme.

[@michaelmurrietta2263]

Sounds like it's missing pull one plug wire off and see which cyl is not firing at idle

[@webbjoe1860]

Sea foam is in every tank of my gas good insurance

[@christopherwilliams4647]

now treat it with a can of Evinrude or Quicksilver powertune, that thing would run like new!

[@apriljobin9959]

Hey that's the best way to do it man learn how to do it

[@mistajay6165]

I have a 2 stroke merc. 90hp inline power of tower they call it it runs in idle and when I put it in gear I get 20 ft. And it bogs and dies any help

[@camarokurt]

I have the same engine and about the same problem. I just bought it. Took it out twice. First time, it ran great with no trouble. The second time it suddenly started popping and running really rough with throttle, but it starts instantly and idles perfect. The more throttle I give it past 1/4, the slower it goes. Definitely don't want to run it this way, cause if one of the carbs is plugged, those cylinders are not getting oil! I checked my fuel filter screen and mine is totally clean. It's located right where the fuel line connects to the fuel pump on the motor. One small bolt in the center of the round part and it pulls off, you'll see a cone shaped screen right there if it's like mine. Mine is a 1983 model. That's the first thing I'd check. That and your fuel lines, like others have said, they grey ones break down inside and stop fuel from flowing and allow all the particles from the line to clog things up.

[@mitchplumlee3900]

Bad fuel lin eor filters

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Also check all the fuel lines for air leaks. The smallest crack can let in air.

[@xtr3m3fLx]

Never use carb or brake cleaner to start a 2t. You're washing the cylinder walls down and greatly decreasing the life of rings an bearings. Get yourself a good quality spray bottle and use premix to squirt into the carbs.

[@steven6692]

Some folks just don't deserve to own an outboard

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

Got 3 and they all doing good

[@Tnj8228]

Dumb comment

[@scodder37]

U need to put some automotive fuel line on it cause that gray line you have on there now have a clear lining inside of it and it will collapse and make your motor starve for gas

[@devinmoore6412]

I changed the fuel line to that auto line and it crunk on the third or fourth pull

[@scodder37]

Kool

[@chrispeterson1247]

or run ethanol free gas and the gray line will be fine

[@James-dp4ye]

@@devinmoore6412 people blame that gray fuel line, the truth is don't run ethanol gas and you won't have a problem

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

I use non ethanol gas only.

[@jdram58]

the seafoam will make it smoke thats the process of cleaning the junk out

[@jamesstires404]

Don’t use auto fuel line .use marine fuel line it’s thicker. Oo

[@toolmantom60109]

filter

[@toolmantom60109]

burning too much oil ....fuel filter

[@OfftheHookOutdoors99]

I hate that!

[@bryanbambrick4826]

This is wishful thinking that this magic repair will fix problem - when you run this at speed + load there is a good chance motor will lean out + poss seize as any restriction in carbs (jets / fuel circuits etc can have varnish build up) may not supply fuel requirements. I would be afraid to run like this - do it the right way + remove carbs / fuel pump clean + blow out everything! Power heads or rebuilds are not cheap!

[@lornekofman2163]

You don't know how to use the choke

[@tandyhuynh3883]

First thing I see your boat is wrong . gasoline and battery not put them together . should be put them seperated . very easy to get fire , explore

[@freshwaterfiend6268]

This is how the boat came from factory. There are no other compartments for battery in back except live well.

[@jerryweiser1145]

Why wont my ball get hard,no i dont have blu ball😅