Diagnosing an outboard that won't start

[@russellpavlik7600]

Dangar's videos are some of the best on KZbin. He does all the little things right. Good audio, good camera angles, lighting and focus on the videos. The detail on the video is perfect. He tells you up front if this is going to be an overview or a detail lesson. Explains things to watch out for and how things work rather than just boring you with watching him twist a wrench. I've probably watched a dozen of these now and they've all been helpful. I'm nursing some old 7.5 and 115 HP Mercs (30 years old) and these videos are my guide for both routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Thank you Dangar!

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Russell, glad you like videos. Good luck with your Mercs! :)

[@CBCycles]

Here I am finally watching one of Stu’s vids out of need - my 8hp Nissan won’t crank over, not even a click. Funny enough, I had the flu a month ago and was bedridden, came across one of his videos, and binge-watched about 40 of them that week lol. The way he articulates the most basic or complicated tasks is what I find amazing, and I’ve been a steady watcher ever since. Cheers from New Hampshire, Chris

[@rdh2059]

I realize this is an older video, but IMHO you are doing a great job of explaining to people what can be wrong with outboards. That said, I personally like seeing the problem resolved, such as installing a new head gasket and seeing the compression changes, the motor running smoothly, etc...

[@pacman4568]

Not had a reason to seek your advice, recently bought a Merc 20hp 2 stroke and came back to the man that can. I hope every thing is healed by now and you are back enjoying life. Brilliant video as usual G Day mate the cheque is in the post.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks mate, hope the Merc runs well for you. :)

[@robsidle5200]

Thank you so much! First time boat owner, and mine wouldn't start after our first outing. Dead man switch! You saved me a bunch of heartache with check the simple things FIRST!

[@FSAUDIOGUY]

Hello Dangar, recently diagnosed and fixed my friend's 1975 outboard 25-HP Evinrude. The fuel inlet on the motor casing was plugged up. It was just getting a sip of fuel and would only run for a few seconds. Thank you for your thorough videos, I might not have found the trouble otherwise. I am the recipient of a free fishing trip! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@DangarMarine]

+FSAUDIOGUY Nice work, glad you got it up and running. Enjoy the fishing trip! :)

[@deadmauCA]

I have a 1977 75-HP Johnson Stinger outboard. It only runs when the warm up lever is up, and then shuts down when I take it off. I was at a lake prior to that and it just bogged down to aprox 10 MPH and eventually died while in neutral. I'm not a mechanic and do not want to break anything. Think somebody can help diagnose my problem? I had also found that the gear lever pin was undone and we fixed that

[@robertmaddox3347]

Dangar Marine. is there any way i can get a can of that starting fluid? you could send me empty can.

[@alfredlevitt7327]

Sir, your videos have been invaluable in my 1st goes at repairing 4 outboards ... but more importantly your accent and character make me miss my favorite country in the world. This yank has been deported from Australia 3 times (I simply love the top end) and I will of course return ... it is not my fault I was "born in the USA."

[@leahwicks331]

Tried others on the net and Dangar is the best!

[@jamesleonard3079]

Really good video and I love the glass of wine while puttering after dinner

[@alexnurrito4679]

Thank you for your videos, they are always informative and to the point. I've fixed two of the outboard motors just by watching your videos and using common sense. A little elbow grease is always required of course thanks again sir..

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome Alex, glad I could help. :)

[@montellwilliams811]

@@DangarMarine say , can I use starting spray on my 1978 evinrude 30 HP outboard 2 cycle gas motor ? 🔧

[@montellwilliams811]

Say , can I use starter spray in my 1978 evinrude 30 HP outboard 2 cycle gas motor 🔧 ?

[@davidholmes4225]

Good video. Very thorough process of working from easy to spot to harder to get at.

[@DangarMarine]

+David Holmes Hi David, there are so many things that can be wrong with any motor, but this is certainly the way I go about diagnosing. Hope it helps you!

[@ymmiti1541]

Thanks for everything Stu. I really appreciate you saving my arse again and bringing me back down to earth by checking the obvious things. Thank you sincerely Bill K. Long Island NY Cheers Mate!!!!!!!

[@DangarMarine]

You’re welcome. :)

[@montellwilliams811]

Say , can I use starter spray in a 1978 evinrude 30 HP outboard 2 cycle gas motor ? 🔧. Or 🔨 ?

[@scbeas]

Thank you for this video - Good explanations in simple terms. Will be using your tips today to start an old outboard engine.

[@scbeas]

Update: Got it running - bad gas. Thanks again!

[@nofearhere221]

Man thank you for the video! I work I’m generally small engines such as ATV’s, Motorcycles and SxS’s. I’m new to boat engines so this helps a lot. I recently purchased an Evinrude 114 v4 and having trouble getting it running. I’ve completely flushed and replaced fuel tanks and fuel lines and and not starting at all. Moving on to the next! Lol thanks for the great explanations!

[@j-megriffiths6056]

Beauty video man. Thanks from Canada.

[@chrispawson1758]

great easy to understand vids to help you understand and service your outboard for your self.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Chris, I hope the video helps you.

[@stuartschnare152]

Wasn’t aware of your outboard videos even though I have been watching the trawler rebuild faithfully. This outboard series has given me a lot of information and encouragement to tackle the three cranky outboards I have in my garage. Good winter work through this covid 19 quarantine period here in Canada. Thanks mate.

[@wavehaven1]

Cool vids !! For older engines throw the start fluid away... use pre mix gas ( in a metal oil squirt can ) for 2 cycles, squirt in into back of carbs....starts way easier and its better for the metals. Learned this from old race car mechanic.

[@DangarMarine]

Yep, premixed fuel is a good way to go, particularly with two strokes.

[@DamionGiacchinoSr]

Hello Danger, well Im the new owner of a 85 bayliner capri with a mercury 90 oil injected outboard. i just aquired a week ago. and its been one thing after another. first the ignition because of lack of key, then the tilt/trim was not working both i have resolved thanks to your videos. I had it running in the yard and decided it was time to put it in the water, low and behold it cranks and cranks but will not start... arrruuuggggg.

[@DangarMarine]

Aren't outboards fun? Good luck solving the issue!

[@rdeanbenson217]

thanks for the educational video! love the "start bastard" eather can (better known as sudden death for 2 strokes!)

[@edstetler6034]

Great videos. I have been wrestling with wiring on a 1978 55 hp Johnson. I would really like to see a video on re-wiring the motor. Thank You, Ed

[@kankama1]

Hi Stu After re-mounting my 25 Yammie 4 stroke high thrust it was dead. I checked lots of things and a friend said to check the fuse. It was broken. A 10 or 20 amp fuse had blown as I wired the new starting leads in. A new fuse and then she started like a champ. Great videos.

[@DangarMarine]

That fuse certainly will leave a key start motor going nowhere. Always great to have a few spare ones on board!

[@fahodi23]

Thank you for these informative videos i really appreciate your way of explanation. the information is really critical especially when you are stuck in sea. Fahad From Saudi Arabia

[@benbelzunce8753]

Great video. Just a question regarding the fuel check with the spark plugs out. If your not getting that fine mist of fuel but the carb bowl is full and jets are clean( pulled apart the carb and seems fine) could that be the reed valves or maybe air getting through?

[@montellwilliams811]

Say , can I use starter spray in a 1978 evinrude 30 hp outboard 2 cycle gas motor ?

[@yamahafan7330]

Yes, of course.

[@officialWWM]

Camera technology has sure come a long way in 7 years!

[@lukerogers3756]

At 3:28 you nailed my problem! Thanks very much!!

[@DangarMarine]

You're welcome. :)

[@Mr-Myautorepair]

Hi, I have seen so many of your videos and I thank you because you are truly a master at your work. I have a problem with a Mercury 15 hp outboard, it's always been fine, now it only starts with primer and if I remove it, it shuts off immediately and it chokes if I accelerate. I've disassembled and tried everything you say but I can't figure it out. Could you help me? Thank you very much, greetings from Italy.

[@coreyolson9217]

Going back in the past because I'm currently trying to diagnose why my 99 Johnson isn't starting. I'd love to see a video on what to do if you are not getting spark in either cylinder. Love your channel!

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Corey, this video might give you a few ideas of things to check kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3XFp558gpaJlcU

[@bernardsullivan2930]

as always another great article ,refreshers memory watch these still trying to watch more, great job John in Qld

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks John. :)

[@pacman4568]

Is it worth spraying carb cleaner into the carb air intake first before starting a diagnostic and taking things apart?

[@DangarMarine]

Definitely. I'm actually going to remake this video as it is an important topic but a very early video, it could be much better.

[@davesboatingfishing]

Gotta love a can of "start ya bastard"😁

[@codypeters1505]

Great videos man. I’m very new to outboard motors and just got an old 7.5hp but it doesn’t run if you could help me figure out what’s wrong with it that would be great!

[@coffeedollsvp]

I just fixed mine....spark plug wire connection from coil was corroded....installed new wires, spark plug caps, and cleaned ignition coil connection....starts up now.

[@tarzanbaby6473]

Is there another seal that is on the bottom of the motor or something? Like a cars crank case seal? Its a johnson v4 140 1980-something won't start or run unless you have another guy pushing throttle cables ect while cracking and can keep it running as long as you do this...it won't stay running on its own

[@pickleballvacationconnecti4653]

I tried your spark plug test, and I did NOT get any sparks. Does that mean my spark plug is no good? Or is it something electrical, in the spark plug wire or box attached to it? No I did not have another spark plug on hand, but did plug in spark plug from my car, just to see if that could spark, but no spark on that either. Not sure if that was a good idea or not, as it was not the correct spark plug for motor, I just figured I could get a spark from a plug I knew works. What should I do next? Thanks.

[@DangarMarine]

Most likely culprit is your kill switch. I've done a vid on those that should be searchable. It could also be a bad coil or it could be the CDI unit triggering the coil, hall effect sensor or magnets under the flywheel depending on the outboard model. I would expect you would see some form of spark with the car plug.

[@adamremlinger6227]

I really appreciate your videos, they have helped fill in the gaps in the service manual. I have a 2004 Yamaha V150 that will start and run in my driveway, but refuses to start at the boat ramp. I have fuel in all the bowls and spark at each cylinder. A compression test shows all 6 cylinders within a few PSI of each other (~112-115 PSI). I also drained and flushed my fuel tank. Any advice on what to check?

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Adam. I would start by checking the condition of the spark plugs and giving the carburettors a clean. It is a bit harder for a motor to run with the back pressure of the water against the exhaust so it must be running very weakly.

[@adamremlinger6227]

Problem solved! Installed new plugs, cleaned the carbs, synced, and adjusted the idle. Fired right up at the boat ramp. Thanks for the help.

[@josea81829]

Hey bud. I have a 115hp Johnson outboard and when I’m cranking it, it all of a sudden stops cranking on itself. Any idea what it can be?

[@robbieduke944]

How do I test the coils on a 1982 Johnson 90 hp idles good but won't plane off help?????????

[@randy1ization]

IS IT POSSIBLE to have bad reed valves on a 2 stroke outboard that has good compression? im working on a 92 9.9 evinrude.,, coil pack was bad, only spark on one coil.. replaced it, spark on both coils now and very strong, white/blue, and A 3/4 INCH gap jump.. rebuilt and cleaned carb.. 95 psi both cylinders,, fresh 50 TO 1 fuel.. new fuel pump.. tested fuel pump and its pumping fuel.. new spark plug wires. engine doesnt seem to want to draw in fuel.. If I squirt quite a bit of fuel into the carb throat, then choke it, and spin it over with a big drill, I can get it to pop,. only got it to start once, for abt 4 or 5 seconds... not sure where to go next.,

[@0708el]

I have 85 force 125 that will start with carb spray only. Once it turns on , I can turn off and turn back on with no issues. On cold I choke but will never get the sneeze/cough will crank but never turns on not until I spray carb cleaner .. I cleaned carb, Jets now another issue turns off when put in neutral .. plz advise

[@jimgiles5209]

I found that the plastic carburator linkage connector had cracked and came off the linkage which kept motor from starting. Crank was good it just wasn't choking which keeps cold motor from starting.

[@DangarMarine]

Glad you found your problem Giles, it's amazing how often it turns out to be something simple.

[@andreaselme4127]

Is it normal for a '98 2 stroke 5hp Johnson to need some throttle to start when hot? Runs perfect, starts on the first pull when cold but after running for a while and with a warm engine doesn't want to start, only needs some throttle. Should I think about adjusting the idle mixture and maybe the idle speed screw?

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Andreas, sounds like it is running a bit rich. Try setting the mixture screw a bit leaner and make sure the choke is opening fully when disengaged. Are the spark plugs quite black?

[@andreaselme4127]

The spark plug looks fine to me, just a bit of light grey color and dry. So on a two-stroke I'd need to turn the air screw Out for Leaner and In for Richer right? Thanks so much for your help and all your great videos!

[@MrTaxmaniac]

Thank you for the great videos. You have helped me a lot with my 1971 Mercury 7.5 HP project. Unfortunately still won't start. Has spark in both cylinders &rebuilt the carb. but it will only backfire through the exhaust. Flywheel key is good and I've switched coil leads. Haven't been able to test compression yet. Any ideas? Could bad reed valves cause this problem? Thanks again for excellent tutorials!

[@DangarMarine]

It's not sounding like reed valves to me. I would have said simply coil leads on the wrong plugs but you've already swapped those around by the sounds of it. A compression test is a good idea, because it cause be the charge in the crankcase by passing the rings.

[@collinthomas8823]

I'm getting gas to my carbs but I pull my plugs and they are bone dry and I believe I'm not getting spark new to boats

[@aceace6697]

Question.. if it will start with starter fluid and won't stay running is that a fuel starve problem then?

[@DangarMarine]

Yes, it's just running on the starter fluid but not getting any fuel from its own system.

[@jimcouzens4797]

Your video on LMy engine runs great is I use starter fluid (SF) but will never start with out it.

[@DangarMarine]

Hey James, what does it use for cold start enrichment? Does it have chokes?

[@jimcouzens4797]

I recently picked up a 1978 mercury 7.5hp engine from Junior Sailing. Since it starts with SF it appears to be getting fuel, air, spark and some compression (need to get a guage to check compression). Not sure it's delivering spark constantly. Need to learn about CDI ?? Meanwhile, I checked the lower unit but that came out yellow (which I guess means water). I reviewed your video on replacing seals, bearing etc but heating up the o- rings to get the prop bearing carrier off or destroying it can’t be the only way. This appears to make a bad even worse if it doesn’t come off since the o-rings are now melted means it leaks more. Especially since I couldn’t find the special tool to get off the cover nut. I know it needs to be fixed but I need another option.

[@jimcouzens4797]

The SF is Valvoline but the can doesn't say much about.

[@DangarMarine]

You could try taking the seals out this way: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWKXmqumi72lkJI Also, here is some information on CDI: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3XFp558gpaJlcU

[@jimcouzens4797]

Thanks for your reply - you are a great mechanic.

[@jdg5682]

What could be the likely culprits for a hard starting suzuki dt 85 two stroke motor my motor will only start when using quickstart but when ran for a while it starts easily. As soon as the motor cools down it doesnt want to start again

[@DangarMarine]

Could be that the carburettor needs cleaning or that the choke system isn't working properly. Can also be that the reed valves behind the carburettor are damaged.

[@jimmalone9044]

1977 evinrude 75 2 stroke only starts from cold when tilted up. always have to tilt it out of the water for initial startup at the lake. why?

[@timjohnun4297]

Float level too low?

[@samjacobs4769]

Hi Stu. Im in desperate need of help. 25hp johnson, sat for 15 years. Was winterized snd its in really good shape. I cant get it to start by itself. I either need to use starter fluid or do something manual. Once I get it to click I use throttle in gear and it runs fine after that. But if it sits for a day it wont start on its own. I think the new fuel line is the suspect. The bulb gets hard but theres no fuel in the filter. Problem is, I cant get a new one because everyone is closed! Any advice to get it on the water sunday?

[@DangarMarine]

I would start with a carburettor clean. It sounds life the needle and seat in the float bowl might be sticking.

[@samjacobs4769]

Ok Ill try that tonight. I took the car apart, but I couldnt get the main jet/needle out. Ill go for it again tonight. Thanks!

[@samjacobs4769]

So update on the motor, Cleaned carb, replaced plugs, fresh fuel and all. It ran last weekend on the water, but upon returning it wouldnt start. Went out this weekend, it started on the trailer in the water so I unloaded it. Then it would not start at all and still wont. Not sure where to go from here

[@br23goose]

Thank you for the helpful videos. I'm searching KZbin and found your channel, because I have a problem with my '86 Yamaha 6hp outboard. I was out this past Friday, after using it for about an 1 1/2 hours we came to idol and the motor stalled out and hasn't started since. I checked the Carburetor and cleaned it up, although it seemed pretty clean. Changed the fuel filter as well. The motor seems to be getting fuel. I changed the spark plugs as well because they looked a little burnt. Still nothing. I've been trying to get spark from the plugs and they don't seem to be getting ignition. Is that something that would fail all of a sudden during the use of a motor? Are their anything else I should be looking for? I haven't tried compression yet because I don't have a gauge. Wanted to start easy before going deeper.

[@DangarMarine]

The first thing I would be looking at if your man overboard lanyard. Once that is disconnected, the motor doesn't get spark. The lanyard itself may have been knocked or the switch could be faulty. Slightly counter intuitively, this switch is closed (connected) to stop the motor so disconnecting a wire from it will actually allow the motor to run. Let me know how you get on.

[@br23goose]

+Dangar Marine thanks for the reply. This motor actually doesn't have a lanyard, but I have wondered if the kill switch is faulty killing the motor all together. Is there a way to bypass the switch to see if it is faulty and need to be replaced?

[@DangarMarine]

Disconnecting a wire from it will allow the motor to run.

[@br23goose]

+Dangar Marine Unfortunately, just tried and still nothing. No spark.

[@DangarMarine]

Bummer. Have you watched this video yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3XFp558gpaJlcU

[@willeld9926]

Hi guys i got a boat today took it out would not start but motor was running when I picked it up today it's a 100hp electric start does it have a safety switch on tilt trim as I was told today after wards it had to be right down to start can someone help me out please .

[@serhandereli7280]

have got 70hp 1992 evinrude 2 stroke, the engine wouldnt start so i hired a mechanic and he could only help the engine start by disconnecting engine stopper behind the piwer pack. he told me that i have to call an electricity to find out the couse of the problem. i have to use choke to stop the engine until i fix the stopper. Any possibilities or suggestions?

[@1971mgb]

Hi I have a 40hp Johnson 2 cycle 2 cylinder outboard 2001 Do you have a suggestion on how many turns out the spring loaded adjustment needle gets set as a starting point at which to set final tuning? IE. 2 turns out ? Thanks great videos

[@DangarMarine]

Yep, I would say 2 - 2 1/2 is about right.

[@busdriver1469]

I have a start problem with my 1990 Suzuki DT65 2 stroke....IT cranks but wont start...i have spark and fuel,but have not measured compression yet,but i suspect the kill switch to be a problem....but hard to detect which wire to disconnect or CUT.....there is no sign of life....any idea?

[@Jpabostikiproductions]

Hey there Awesome videos !! Very informative, What would you say about an outboard (evinrude v490) that starts easily on the driveway, but really struggles on the water ? Cheers 🍻

[@davidgill9840]

Do you have an opinion regarding evinrude 25 hp etec? I’ve had nothing but trouble with my 2014. Please help.

[@DangarMarine]

I have a friend with an etec from around that vintage. He has had a bit of trouble that was fixed under warranty, but other than that it has been okay. Personally I prefer regular four stroke motors.

[@silvesterweber2879]

Hey Dangar I have a 77 evinrude It starts and run fine last month was rebuilt But now it only starts with earmuffs in my yard and not in the water ? Whats my problem you think I did find a wee bit extra oil near the propeller Is my in take clocking up ? Please help me out

[@DangarMarine]

Sounds like the carbs might have got blocked up from some dirty fuel.

[@jimteffeteller9193]

hey danger i have a 7.5 hp merc it ran good then it quit starting now when u pull start it it pops or backfires it trys to start i rebuilt the carb new gas could it be one of the coils it gets fire i have worked on it for a week the compresion is 120 ps on both cylinders can u help can u check the coils with meter or what thanks love your videos

[@DangarMarine]

So did it start to backfire all of a sudden or only after the carb rebuild?

[@jeansandmyshirt]

hello hope you could help. i have a used 6hp yamaha outboard 4stroke When I bought it last summer the seller showed it running.but it was smoky. Took it in my cars trunk and left it for a week and finally took my small dinghy out but I couldnt get it started. After pulling cord few times there was gas smell and it was leaking into the water Someone said its flooded because you kept it sideways. I took out old spark plug bought new one and let it dry out. any ideas what to do??

[@DangarMarine]

Try cranking it over with the spark plug out to get the fuel out.

[@wespro1]

What was the fix for the outboard with the low top end speed that you showed the reed valves on?

[@DangarMarine]

Hmmm, not sure. That was a while ago now and I'm trying to remember while outboard it was. So many jobs since then!

[@peterhayes3014]

I see im not the only one with a couple empties on the work bench..lol

[@montellwilliams811]

🍻. 🔧 🔨 ✌

[@acsmanny70]

HI: Dangar Good Video. I having that problem right now Thanks Good Day..

[@DangarMarine]

Good luck sorting it out Manny.

[@keidelleparris4318]

Hi I have a old Yamaha 40hp 2 stroke and it’s not starting. Is there anyway I can call you?

[@andyvanchallice]

Hi I have a 2 stroke mercury 115hp 6cylinder that won't start have sparks at plugs but dry plugs fuel pumps up with premier fuel pump pumping fuel out when cranking ok enrichment solenoid works fuel end out dripping on floor by prop. Done compression test 100psi on all cylinders any ideas please

[@acgolem]

Did you ever work it out. I have a similar issue. 115 Evinrude that cranks, has spark, has 125psi on all cylinders, it has fuel and I've even sprayed fuel directly into carbs while cranking. I'm yet to hear a single fire. I'm guessing a timing issue. Weird tho because I can't imagine anyone would've changed it and the flywheel key is in place.

[@danfilm4]

My Engine is about a 1989 150 evinrude xp runs good at faster speed if I get it started on a rough hard start. but not good at low idle .

[@daleschneider6891]

I really enjoy all your videos. I'm struggling right now with a motor which will only start if I squirt fuel into the carbs. Once it starts it runs like a top(and starts normal after that and throughout the day if I don't let it cool right down) but frustrating that it won't fire up without that gulp of fuel though in the beginning from cold. Any thoughts?

[@DangarMarine]

All motors will have some form of cold start enrichment: a choke, prime start solenoid etc. I'd look into what your motor has and whether it is working.

[@dscopes]

I’m having the same issue. Have got a 1990 Evinrude 30 HP 2 stroke with carb and primer/choke pull knob(which I just replaced). It was running like a champ. I flushed it and a couple months later, with fresh fuel it starts up for a brief second then dies. When I pull the primer knob, gas squirts out of the top of the carb where that hose goes in. As if it’s clogged. However, when I check the fuel line going into the motor it’s got fuel flow. Additionally there seems to be fuel entering through the fuel pump. I’m completely stumped! It’s probably something minor but I can’t pinpoint it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@JDubbsadventure]

Iv got a 1998 Evinrude spl. It ran great for me for about 2 minutes after I bypassed the kill switch then it stalled out and I haven't got it to fire again. The motor has spark the gas is new the plugs seem like there fouling out Iv replaced them with new plugs Iv made sure the air intake is clear and the motor will not even ack like it wants to fire. Please help

[@JDubbsadventure]

It's a 115 1998 evinrude spl... I haven't checked the timing but when it was running it ran great and smooth.

[@DangarMarine]

I'd check the compression and clean the carburettors.

[@JDubbsadventure]

Dangar Marine I checked the compression this morning got 80-110 seamed a little low for me... Iv got the carburetors off now to clean... thank you for the help

[@byrdt6528]

Fantastic video as usual. I just went to the store to buy a new fuel line assembly, and put brand new fuel in the tank. I'm hoping this solves the problem. Purchased a late 70s boat with a 1977 Johnson 70HP on it. Hoping to get it ip and running. Thanks for the help again.

[@DangarMarine]

Thanks Tim, good luck with your boat. A clear fuel system is always a great starting point.

[@crispernator]

Gday mate good video on diagnosing a problem just listening to what you have said do you maybe think it might pay to do the comp test first and work backwards ? interesting to see the reed valves have had heaps of two stroke yamaha bikes but never really new how they worked or what they really looked like great video for the home mechanic .

[@DangarMarine]

I can see what you are saying about the compression test, and I guess that brings up the most important question when diagnosing a motor which is what was the history - was it working well then suddenly stopped, has it not run for years etc. I think that question really informs your approach.

[@MarkcureCure]

Where do you get a can of "Start you Bastard"?

[@stonyd11dalton83]

i need to be showen how to get to the starter on my 4.3 in bored can you please help me get to it were it is at

[@DangarMarine]

We only ever work on outboards here. There should be a large cable going from the battery to the solenoid that drive it though. The negative also usually goes to the starter. Can you follow that lead?

[@danfilm4]

This is good because I have a 150 Evinrude xp wont start easy and runs rough

[@DangarMarine]

I'd usually start with a carburettor clean in that situation.

[@normandunnaganjr.5034]

I learned so much. I owe you !!!

[@600santafe8]

muchas gracias amigo! Saludos!!

[@derto0922]

My engine Starts up and runs for a while and then once it is warmed up and shut off it has a hard time starting up again. Once warmed up it doesn't seem to want to idle very well eventually loading up and shutting off and having a hard time starting it up again.

[@markmorey7903]

If got a 2003 mercury four stroke efi 30hp cranks fine but won't start of put new plugs in fresh fuel drained fuel line and primed taken the injectors off a washed off with clean fuel but the fucker still won't start any ideas before I take an oxi torch to it and make a few extra air intakes lol

[@DangarMarine]

Have you tested whether it is getting spark? Does it have full fuel pressure (30-40PSI) at the VST? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4fHe2d4q7eJj7M

[@markmorey7903]

Dangar Marine yeah it's got spark plus new plugs I think iv found the issue high preassure fuel pump is full of brown rust like flecks of crap waiting for a new pump to arrive fingers crossed thanks for the reply great vids mate

[@wavehaven1]

Ethanol in gas absorbs water from humidity and rusts anything it can, a buddy is a Porsche mech., nothing but rust issues in the fuel system from Ethanol. I use Marvel Mystery oil in my truck to my outboard....everything runs noticeably smoother with lowest cost of fuel additives. It replaces what was taken out of the fuel for the engine to run smooth....lead and helps keeps the rust issues down.

[@ryansmith8846]

Hello, my 1995 Yamaha 9.9 HP 4 Stroke outboard started up a few months ago but when I took it out to the boat ramp it failed to start. I took out the old spark plugs and got new fuel and it still isn't starting. I'm 16 and am pretty new to outboard engines, if you have any ideas I would love to hear them, thanks!

[@DangarMarine]

Really every think I would check is in this video. Did it pass all these tests?

[@ryansmith8846]

Dangar Marine I ended up just cleaning out the carb and it's running fine now, thanks for the reply!

[@kggk5580]

What's the outboard?

[@WVFG]

Interesting video, I think you could keep the interest if you cut out all the un-necessary stuff and just cut to the chase. I have a 9.9hp seagull which has similar problems at time, I have no mechanical nouse and I find your videos easy enough to follow and , which gives me confidence to tackle the problem. P.S. get rid of the beer bottle and mobile phone off your work bench, it makes you look like a back yarder. Carry on the good work.

[@DangarMarine]

+Greg Dwiar Hi Greg, glad the videos have given you the confidence to tackle the outboard problems you are having. The videos I like watching are very much about hanging out with other people in their backyard and having a beer while looking at an engine or something so I guess that is why they are also the videos I like a make. I have seen a couple of other more professional condensed-information videos around but they aren't something I am interested in making. I appreciate the feedback though, Stu.

[@robertlinquist]

+Dangar Marine You're response to that comment cracked me up. I'm a new first time boat owner of a used boat and have been sitting in my backyard with a couple of beers and watching your videos to figure out what I need to do to service the motor. Thanks for all of the great of videos, I like your style!

[@DangarMarine]

Hi Robert, glad to hear you have taken the right relaxed approach to boat maintenance. ;) I really hope the videos help you get everything you need fixed up on your new boat!

[@clarencecremeans2640]

I'm getting gas to carb bowl but not to cylinder

[@bobtrapp8206]

When I get to the water launch my boat it starts right up and off we go .after fishing a bit it takes several cranks to refire I've changed all 4 plugs replaced all fuel and vacuum line along with a new primer bulb and main fuel line it's a merc 40 hp 2 stroke

[@DangarMarine]

Are the spark plugs getting very black or fouled when running?

[@phillipboucher4338]

Dude you need a better camera and mic, it is sometimes very hard to hear what you are saying and see what you are explaining. It would be great if you could give a top down view of the thing you are describing with clear lighting so that it is possible to see it better. Also whilst you are filming on many occasion's during your filming in your videos you are describing something and telling us to look at an item yet this is not quite in shot. :-( I love the video's but for the item's above this would make it so much better to watch and I believe you would get many more subscriber's as the content is so valuable. Cheers Phill

[@thomasflynn642]

Hey Stu When are you going to answer my question?

[@DangarMarine]

I just did, I always reply to comments in the order they were posted as time permits.

[@robertvater4577]

YOUTH