STOP Your Outboard From Bogging Down (or Losing Power)

[@NGC7603]

This video is priceless! Best and to the point tips without any time wasted. Keep it up dude!

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the view!!

[@CTRadventures]

Id have to say 2 favorite videos this year! Thanks so much and I'll be in touch

[@mikeandrews5787]

Good tips. Great channel, you’ve helped me so much as an clueless novice. Just bought mercury 5hp 4stoke 2014. Was sitting for 2 years, gas smelled awful. Used many of your tips to start it. Cleaned the carburetor, it was mostly the needle and float stuck with gunk inside it. After cleaning carb I pulled carb drain screw out to see that gas was indeed making it to carb and leaking out when I pumped the external tank Finally started, but only stays on for 30sec-1min at full choke. Then stalls. If I disengage choke it stalls immediately. I haven’t pumped external tank yet when it almost stalls to see if it reinvigorates yet. I have changed fuel filter. Haven’t changed spark plug yet but starts with two pulls. I haven’t used any fuel stabilizer yet(pending shipping/arrival) but I did siphon out old gas and put in new regular gas(not premium or ethanol free). Also haven’t tried starting with internal tank to see if maybe the external tank line is bad. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated? God bless you sir!

[@Skinnyriver]

Here is a full thread on this exact issue forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/outboard-motor-needs-choke-all-the-time.28544/ It has some really good info. If it dies when you disengage choke, it’s usually an issue with your main jet in your carb. If it dies regardless of choke then it’s usually a fuel supply issue to the carb. I would try a different tank to rule that out. My guess is it’s still probably something with the main jet in your carb or fuel is not getting to your carb at a rate to keep the carb bowl full

[@getitdone6694]

Wow, this is by far the most detailed explanation on the specified problem. I have an 1990 force 120hp that nobody seems to wanna work on anymore. I have rebuilt it entirely, pistons, rings all the gaskets, machine shop reboring for .020 oversized pistons, have cleaned the carbs, rebuilt the lower drive from water damage etc. I have rebuilt the fuel pump, new membrane and gasket, cleaned the screen which had some sand and black stuff, replaced all the hoses and clamped it all new filter. It wasn't starting without starting fluid anymore now it does. The problem at hand is on water when I put it in gear it dies. I have to raise RPM at idle to 1100 to be able to stay in gear at idle. Even then it sometimes dies. I have the idle stop screw all the way in. I get spark I don't know how strong it is. The CDI modules and coils are fine because I have twin motors and I swapped them all to the other motor and it is fine. Same with the carbs fine on the other motor. Compression125 and 130. I am just puzzled at this point and it only does this on water not on the hose. I hope it is not an internal motor problem stemmimg from the rebuild. No air leaks also. But you mentioned the thermostat, I did notice that the water pig tail I installed doesn't squirt the same strength jet as the other engine, no overheating buzzer activating. Water pump is new. I am baffled as to what to do. Boat runs at 4400 RPM on the other engine and 4200 on the problem engine 38mph at WOT 13x19 propeller. It runs great at speed. Reeds are stainless and look new. Give a brother some advice. Thanks again.

[@RandyKleinman]

Great stuff. My Honda 20hp was cutting out at high throttle, and it ended up being a bad fuel pump AND a bad spark plug

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks, I appreciate the view and comment! Glad you found the issue, I know it can be frustrating nailing down what exactly is the problem. Glad you got it fixed! Hope it’s running great now

[@tonyparedes9849]

Hi, great explanation! I have a 2003 Yamaha 115 2 stroke that will not rev past 4200rpm. I have ran it WOT at 6000rpm as it should. Now, at WOT it stays at 4200rpm without bogging down. I checked the compression and it’s even, spark plugs are new, and the throttle linkage looks good. I’m having a hard time believing it’s a fuel problem because there are no hesitations coming from the motor, it just isn’t able to rev past 4200rpm. What do you think could be going on?

[@Skinnyriver]

That is weird. Nothing has changed (same prop, same weight, same trim position, etc)? I agree, I doubt fuel issue would cause a steady 4200. I would look at decarbing the cylinder, check prop for nicks/wear, check boat if it’s holding water (in wood etc). Something is holding you back

[@ggleyton]

Excelente explicación Skinny... He revisado todo y espero poder cambiar una manguera que se ve muy defectuosa y veré como funciona todo. Gracias por responder y espero que disfrutes la vida. Saludos desde el Sur del Mundo: Chile

[@Skinnyriver]

si está usando un tanque externo, intente apretar el bulbo de cebado cuando acelere para tratar de forzar el paso del gas. si funciona sabes que tienes un bloqueo. si está usando el tanque interno, intente usar un tanque externo. si el tanque externo funciona, sabe que es un problema de flujo de gas

[@bankfishingislife5484]

i have a old two stroke chrysler today when i was going to put out trotlines. i was going around 30mph then all a sudden it bogged down big time. wouldnt go past 10 mph after that. had to go load the boat and forget about trotlines tonight. motor still runs and puts but i have no clue. i looked at the fuel filter its a different one there is a little bit of particles in it but its super fine and just a very little. have no idea.

[@Skinnyriver]

That’s weird. Let me know if you find out what happened. It’s possible the thermostat is bad, some motors have a low RPM setting if the motor gets hot. But since it’s older it might not have that. Weird let me know if you find out the issue

[@bankfishingislife5484]

@@Skinnyriver piston is slapping into the sparkplug.

[@Skinnyriver]

Oh wow, was it wrong size spark plug? What caused it?

[@bankfishingislife5484]

@@Skinnyriver nah im guessing since its a two piece rod either the screws broke or the rod. but i havent taken it apart and not sure if its worth it. or can even get the parts ect. when i took out teh plugs one was smashed i like it got hit by something put a new one in tried to run it and it happened again. or the piston is really loose. not even sure how hard it is to open up a motor like that or if even can without specialty tools.

[@names541]

Thanks alot, these videos are very nice and detailed

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks, I appreciate the views!

[@funkydre]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@frederic1000001]

For my info do you have a video about setting the richness screw on the carb ? I can't find anything about it.

[@Skinnyriver]

Newer outboard have a cap on the screw so you cannot adjust. If you pull the cap it voids warranty. But there are some videos for dirt bikes about adjusting, process would be similar (however some carbs screwing in gives more gas and others gives more air). Search dirt bike carb adjustment and there are a lot of vids

[@frederic1000001]

@@Skinnyriver Thank you for the advice. I'm sailing in France and we have the same motor. Except mine is very recalcitrant. 🙂

[@Skinnyriver]

@frederic1000001 is it idling bad, bogging down, or just hard to start? Or all of the above 😂

[@frederic1000001]

@@Skinnyriver It is apparently running well, starts decently after two or three times on the rope (it used to start at first time not so long ago) but I know something is wrong. The idling seems ok but is nevertheless erratic. Sometimes it goes up for no reason when idling and when I go forward (in take) at very slow speed it tends to go down.

[@frederic1000001]

@@Skinnyriver It is apparently running well, starts decently after two or three times on the rope (it used to start at first time not so long ago) but I know something is wrong. The idling seems ok but is nevertheless erratic. Sometimes it goes up for no reason when idling and when I go forward (in take) at very slow speed it tends to go down.

[@mangoboxer4082]

Great video! My 90s Evinrude 25 hp is bogging and smoking but still has pee stream at anything past idle speed. Just bogs and doesn't go faster than 7 mph. It tends to work fine full throttle at beginning of the trip, then once all warmed up and I start it again, it doesn't work. I have cleaned out the carb and fuel isn't restricted. The motor never came with a silencer attached to carb. I haven't checked compression yet, but I thought it could be a mixture screw adjustment issue? Any tips? Thanks!

[@Skinnyriver]

I would check the thermostat. If it’s causing it to run cold (or hot) it can make it do a lot of weird things.

[@mangoboxer4082]

Thanks I'll look into it! ​@@Skinnyriver

[@charlierahner2141]

Here’s another cause of fuel problem that happened to me. The carb kept running dry causing the motor to die and I had to keep priming the engine and restarting it. Cause- the female connector at the end of the fuel line had a hairline crack in it that wasn’t readily visible. It must have hit the concrete hard at some point. Replaced the connector and the motor ran perfect.

[@Skinnyriver]

Man that’s a really good point I never thought about. Do you think the fuel pump was pulling in air (and not enough gas)? I’m guessing it wasn’t visibly leaking?

[@charlierahner2141]

Yes it was pulling in air from the crack in the plastic fitting and losing vacuum. Fuel was not leaking at the fitting so I had a hard time figuring it out. Be careful when carrying the 3 gallon fuel tank between the boat and the car or storage area. If the end of the hose hits the ground it can crack ever so slightly.

[@mikeandrews5787]

Thanks Charlie. Also good tip, will try to only use internal tank to see if that’s the issue I have. After cleaning carb and changing fuel filter mine started but will only stay on about a minute with choke on, then stalls. Stalls immediately when I disengage choke.

[@tp-mh2ji]

Yup Happened to me!

[@hagamyster4883]

I have a 70 hp Johnson. It will run fine so far then it starts surging at wot. Anything over 5000 rpms. If I run at 4800 rpms it'll run fine. New fuel lines, fuel pump, and spark plugs. Any suggestions?

[@Skinnyriver]

I got this from a blog about this same issue, it good advice…. when running down the lake and it starts to surge, (activate the choke) if the motor bogs then you have an electrical issue. If it picks up you have a fuel delivery issue. Take a compression test both cold and warm. You could have a leaky intake gasket or possibly some leaking bypass plate gaskets. If it’s an electrical issue the power pack needs replacing, they aways go out on Johnson’s

[@CTRadventures]

I used my boat 1-2 times a week, non eth gas is so expensive over here at the moment, is stabil an ok replacement?

[@gutzfishing7853]

I lose around two mph off the top end, I noticed it a few days back my motor wouldn’t get than initial jump. I Thought maybe a dirty carb and I cleaned it but it looked spotless (unless it’s smaller than the eye can see). Also noticed if I pulled the choke out slightly it would gain speed. Any idea? Any thing would help….also how to open the fuel filter I may need to check that

[@Skinnyriver]

That’s interesting. You can just do a visual of the fuel filter (on inlet side) see if it’s clogged up. They are cheap, it’s worth changing. If it perks up when you pull the choke it probably means it’s not getting enough gas (choking increases the gas to air ratio). When you clean the carb, did you remove the main jet? A little contamination in the main jet can limit gas getting into the motor. Some people will get a small guitar string and run it through the jet to clean it. But it could also be that the carb bowl is not staying full. That could be the fuel filter, something with your gas tank not venting fully, or priming bulb not staying firm if you are using external tank. If you are 100% confident it runs better with partial choke, it has to be a fuel issue either getting from the carb to the motor or the carb bowl is not staying full (fuel filter, gas lines, gas tank issue). I doubt it’s a fuel pump issue. However if it is a fuel supply issue, a partial choke should only help for a short time until carb bowl level gets even lower. So it it runs great for a long time on partial choke, that is pointing to the main jet in the carb.

[@Skinnyriver]

If you are using an external tank, at full throttle with choke off, try squeezing the priming bulb a little. If it perks up then it’s a fuel supply issue. If it doesn’t perk up, then it’s got to be something going on with the carb. A gasket leak with the carb is also a possibility as it would let in more air and less gas

[@gutzfishing7853]

@@Skinnyriver I pulled both brass jets off and was able to clean the bigger one with a cylinder brass brush. Also how do you open that filter that thing seems to be hard unless I’m missing the trick

[@gutzfishing7853]

Also I use just the internal tank

[@Skinnyriver]

You can take off fuel filter and shine a flashlight into the inlet. I would just go ahead and replace the fuel filter to rule that out ($5). Since it’s the internal tank and carb is clean, I think it has to be down to a few things: Fuel filter blocking flow not keeping carb bowl full, needing choke to pull gas from lower level in bowl Fuel pump not keeping carb bowl full Leaky carb gasket letting air in (unless you replaced the gaskets when you cleaned carb) Air getting into gas line or a kink or blockage in gas line Stale gas I could see all of these possibly causing too much air and not enough gas at WOT

[@monzsterman]

Cool stuff! Hey I have been looking at buying a used motor. How about a future video of stuff to look for when making a purchase like this.

[@Skinnyriver]

That is a great video idea. It’s on the list! Thanks again for the long time support!

[@CTRadventures]

Wondering if anyone can help. Just got my first boat, an 88 ranger 393v with an 87 Johnson V6 150 vro, the vro has been removed and I mix the gas and oil at fill up. The fastest I have ever got it was 55 twice. I typically never run it that hard but I like to now and again just to keep everything in good working order, just Incase one of these fla storms pop up and we gotta boogie. At any rate, it's starting to do something weird. I can hammer down the hot foot at a dead stop and she till be at 40 mph in no time at all. Now once I hit 40/45 if I'm still hammering it down, the engine will bog, I will lose thrust, almost like I'm running out of gas, until I let it up and once she's back around the 30 mph it recovers and runs like a champ again. I recently changed the sparks which made a huge difference in start up and idle run. I noticed on my fish finder at times my battery will read as low as 11.4v at idle or no engine, but when running the outboard will jump to as high as 14v. But the last time I went out, I noticed that more than twice my fish finder shut off at higher speed and my radio as well. Bought a new class 27dc yesterday and will try that out, but the sticker on the battery is pulled out was from Jan of this year. The previous owner wasn't able to run the boat too much, so I'm not sure if that affected the battery or if that's even the issue. One person suggested that it could be the link and sink needing adjustment for over extending in wide open. Sorry for the long post! Thanks for anything you could suggest!

[@williamrendall134]

Good video thanks.

[@Lunatik303]

Any suggestions what might be wrong with my outboard so I have a 2001 9.9hp Mercury So it will start right up but right when you give it about halfway throttle it bogs down and shut off but right after that it will start right back up but every time you give it a lot of gas it just dies.. Does the carburetor need to be cleaned or something? Thanks

[@Skinnyriver]

I would guess your main jet has some junk in it. There are 2 jets in the carb an idle jet and main jet. Sounds like your idle jet is ok but your main jet might need to be cleaned. It also could be a fuel supply issue, motor can’t keep enough gas in the carb. This could be caused by dirty fuel filter, issue with your fuel pump, or something weird going on with your gas tank.

[@Lunatik303]

@@Skinnyriver thanks Appreciate the reply

[@Skinnyriver]

@Lunatik303 let me know if you are able to figure it out. Good luck

[@dustinj7650]

this same thing just happened to me on a new 9.8hp. 3 hours into break in. I disconnected the fuel line, and ran the fuel system dry. This fixed the problem. In my case I think I had an air bubble or something in the system that was preventing full gas delivery at higher RPMs, resulting in bogging. Reconnected the external tank and it was good to go.

[@unclesam7660]

My motor Idles fine and also when I put it into gear however when I speed it up it starts to bog. I did end up priming the bulb as I revd it and it started to work. Would you replace the bulb first?

[@Skinnyriver]

Something is keeping it from getting enough gas. I would check the fuel filter first. Make sure there are no kinks or issues with the fuel lines. Then if you can a different fuel tank/bulb.

[@unclesam7660]

@@Skinnyriver thank you for the fast reply

[@1Y2ae]

I have a 2017 mercury 2.5 hp four stroke outboard. Bought new from bass pro. Thing runs rich and spits fuel and bogs down. Been to bass pro multiple times and they said it’s normal. Only ever ran ethanol free fuel. It’s been doing that since day one. Haven’t used motor since 2019 because of this. Basically new still. Do you think carb could be bad?

[@Skinnyriver]

Does it do this at wide open throttle? Have you tried adjusting the fuel mixture screw on the carb? There is a brass cap you have to pop off to get to it on mine. Also double check to make sure the choke is opening all the way when you turn choke off.

[@1Y2ae]

@@Skinnyriver it will do it pretty randomly. I haven’t adjusted that screw. I will try that. Much appreciate the help.

[@abc-sj6pu]

I’ve got a 6hp mercury that loses speed the longer you run it. It runs perfect for about 5 mins with 75% throttle, but then it significantly starts to slow down(-5mph) within 3 mins but the rpm’s still sound normal and how it should. It gets so bad to the point where I have to shut it off because I am going so slow, so I let it sit for about 10 mins and the cycle repeats. I recently replaced the prop because it was spinning so I don’t think it’s that, what do you think?

[@Skinnyriver]

That’s weird, most times RPMs also drops and motor bogs down. I would get a cheap tachometer ($15) to see what the RPMs are doing. My best guesses Spun prop: did you check the spindle/spline gear that engages the prop? If the gears are worn it could be disengaging from prop letting it slip There is a protection mode these motors enter that protects the motor if high heat or low oil pressure (I think), it cuts the ignition signal in and out and kills speed If RPMs are lowering it would likely be a fuel supply issue (fuel pump, bad line) or dirty carb You maybe getting a weak spark impacting your torque, I would go ahead and change spark plug ($6) Since it runs good then starts having issues, I am leaning towards it getting hot. Are you getting really good water flow? The opposite is also true, if oil is milky after you run then motor is not getting up to operating temp due to your thermostat ($20) staying open. Keep me posted.

[@AussieRic]

my motor goes good for 20 minutes then the primer is flat, after keep squeezing the primer for 5 minutes then the motor starts but only runs max 5 knots all the way back to the boat ramp if i try go faster it stalls, any ideas because it does go fast for the first 20 minutes every time I go out then primer flat again? I dont think its a blockage as it runs perfect for first 20 min each time. Please help...

[@Skinnyriver]

Do you have an internal gas tank? Does it do the same thing when you use the internal tank? My initial thought is the external tank is not venting. You can check by not screwing the gas tank cap all the way down so it vents. Next thought is a bad priming bulb. Try a different tank and if it runs well, you know it’s a tank or priming bulb issue and not a motor issue

[@AussieRic]

@@Skinnyriver yes underfloor fuel tank. Ive replaced breather hose new primer and fuel lines. still problem.

[@AussieRic]

@@Skinnyriver just strange how it runs well for first 20min.

[@Skinnyriver]

@@AussieRic when you say primer bulb is flat, do you mean it’s sucked in or just loses its firmness?

[@AussieRic]

@@Skinnyriver yes sucked flat only after 20min of going fast

[@Trebeany]

Hi Im Troy I have the same motor its loses power I will go and check there's things out and get a new spark plugs. I'm writing because I just bought a motor with out a kill which. Will the kill which cause power losses and do I need to install one ? I really appreciate your help I just bought 6hp Mercury motor put it in all ready to go . I'm still stuck on a marina.

[@Skinnyriver]

Kill switch will not affect power. It’s only function is to completely shut the engine off if you fall out of the boat. If there is not a kill switch you do not need to install one for it to run properly. Good luck!!!

[@Trebeany]

@@Skinnyriver Thank I will try all the things that you mention. Good video 😊

[@jonathanwertz1491]

Mine 9.9 has the problem, but cant find the problem, there's so many things it could be

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah I know it’s frustrating. Is it a newer model or an older one? Have you ruled anything out yet? 99% of the time it’s either the fuel filter, fuel pump or carb. I would go ahead and spend $15 and replace the fuel filter and spark plug just to rule those out. Then clean carb.

[@ekratman]

I love how he's sitting with his pants legs in the water!

[@Skinnyriver]

lol 😂 I thought that may help watch time and viewer engagement

[@ekratman]

Thank you for putting together these suggestions!

[@Betterdaysfishing]

Everything you just listed on my outboard needs to be cleaned or replaced LOL

[@Skinnyriver]

lol, hey I’m off Mon Jun 20, I may hit you up to go 🎣

[@Trebeany]

Thanks for this video .I just bought a 4hp mercury for $500 get it home put gear then it loses power. So I ring the guy up He told me to clean the Carberator the scumbag told me that there was nothing wrong it I don't know how to clean a Carburator I bought it with my last cent become he said he serviced it . Can you please do a video on how to clean a Carburator and how to do the basics like a haw to things video . please I am paying 200$ hundred Rent at week because I'm stranded I can not move the boat .I a home owner that has just lost everything I mean everything so I find myself getting swollen legs from sleeping in my car .The little boat bought because I can lay down. So I was shown a.brand know way of life. That I can't participate in The shop is just 3 minutes bown the lake it would be so nice just to get to Woolworths or Coles There is a petrol pump for boats two. Sometimes people think I'm a funny thing sitting here with my gas lantern .

[@Skinnyriver]

this has to be the best comment I’ve ever received. I feel like I know your whole life story now. I bet you’d be fun to hang out with. I did a carb clean video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ3Tdpqiett2jdk I also did a HOW TO video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2LUlIaugaZ2i6c

[@homerbrockner9406]

Man, I was sitting in that boat with him for a little while, watching the lantern flicker....wink...grin.@@Skinnyriver

[@marklagace9871]

@@Skinnyriver hey man, wondering if you could give me some insight on my 115hp merc motor. It’s sputtering every 5-10 seconds at all rpm’s when running it. It won’t stall out but sputters like a fuel or misfire on spark. It’s on a pontoon boat so rpm’s are never really high. Any ideas?

[@mikemitchell7505]

Great Video!!!

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks for the view

[@emersonfeltham182]

Surprised you didn't mention failing coil as a probable cause of bogging down

[@Skinnyriver]

Yeah it a good point. Probably more likely than a failing spark plug, esp for older outboards

[@emersonfeltham182]

@@Skinnyriver otherwise very thorough

[@russellpurdie]

Timing not advancing will cause it to

[@Skinnyriver]

Good point, thanks. I haven’t messed with the timing on mine but looking to get an older motor to get more familiar with timing and effects if it’s retarded, advanced etc I’m not a pro so it would be good experience for me as well

[@Clayton_reagan22]

Good video

[@Skinnyriver]

Thanks! I appreciate the view and taking time to comment. Means a lot!

[@daver1824]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tp-mh2ji]

You been fishing? 🎣🦦

[@Skinnyriver]

A little, you? We haven’t had any rain in weeks and the creeks are at 1-2’ (usually 4-5’). So it’s been kind of challenging, they seem to be sluggish and kayaking is a nightmare right now. Gonna try to hit a lake up soon. But I enjoy smaller streams. How have you been?

[@tp-mh2ji]

@@Skinnyriver Doing good... Hot here in Arkansas... Waiting for cooler weather. 🎣GF