Why did this outboard engine run on land but not on water?

[@jacka55six60]

Glad you figured it out! I've had no troubles with my 1980's 2.2hp Mercury. **Non ethanol gas + seafoam, small batches of fuel mix that don't sit around long and running it dry at the end of every trip is a plan that has worked well for me.

[@jillianthomson7935]

Bought a Mercury 2.2 (predecessor to the 2.5) new in 1985 and still have it - great little light, simple engine. When I first used it, she ran great for several fishing trips and then one day it just quit out on the lake. Tried to restart it, but absolutely no luck. Checked the obvious stuff like fuel in the tank, petcock open, and vent open. Removed the spark plug and it looked good as well. Had to row back to shore. When back at home, I pulled the plug again and cleaned it thoroughly, checked the gap, and re-installed. Put the outboard in a trash can of water and tried to start - and nothing. I happened to have a new spare spark plug so installed that and tried starting again and she fired right up. I thought that was strange since the cleaned original plug looked damn near new. I removed the new plug I just installed and put the original back in and tried to start - and nothing. Put the new plug back in and she fired right up again. I talked to the Mercury dealership and if my memory is right, the fellow said these motors have a habit of ruining plugs and quitting and they won't run again until a brand new plug is installed (he didn't know why). I'm not sure what would cause this either but it seems to be the case. Great little outboard, but they seem to only run so long and then quit and you have to replace the spark plug with a new one. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this with this or any other small outboard, but I thought it would be worth mentioning. In contrast my 1977 Evinrude 9.9 runs and runs to the point where the spark plug electrodes are almost eroded away. Haven't used it in a long time but it was still running on the original plugs last time I used it! Keep the videos coming Wayne - love watching them. And PS, I think power and speed wise, the little 2.5 blows the doors (or cowlings) off the 3hp electric equivalents! I'm keeping my Minn Kota for a while yet - the electrics are so expensive.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That's interesting! A new plug certainly wouldn't hurt

[@leadreviewer3257]

Nicely done

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Thanks!

[@RickMidds]

For corrosion you should replace the zinc on the lower end of the motor. Zinc inhibits electrolysis when you have mixed metals on your outboard in a salt water environment. 😉👍

[@allanweseman5433]

Now look at all the nice things you learned Wayne! I enjoyed seeing what 2.5HP will actually do to get you around. I an seriously thinking of getting a 2.5 horse 4-stroke motor as a backup to get me home if my big motor fails. I just bought a new Suzuki DF50 motor for my little 14' 6" fibreglass fishing boat. It is incredibly complicated with electronic fuel injection and so I bought a factory manual. Lots to learn.

[@allanweseman5433]

You do scare me by not having a safety chain on that motor. It wouldn't be the first one I've seen hop off the transom.

[@MrSirPhase3]

When I see these problems it makes me appreciate my little 3.0 hp air cooled Sears GameFisher two stroke motor. Simple little motor. No impeller to deal with. I have owned this motor for about 25 years and nothing has ever kept it from running. Just bought another one for $50.00 on Facebook Marketplace to use as a parts motor that unfortunately got dropped overboard while it was running at top speed. Good thing he had it tethered to his boat.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah sometimes simple is better!

[@buddyrevell6369]

Nice job! Wouldnt have guessed that. Maybe make a gasket or use some rtv next time?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good idea!

[@barrywarren4221]

Mercury's just aren't the same in the small motors, I've heard from other people that they had a lot of problems also. They ended up getting Honda or Suzuki to replace the Mercury. My 1988 6 hp. Johnson still running strong, starts on 1st or 2nd pull every time . Looks like that Newport- Vessel is doing just fine. Another "Great video"

[@InsaneBimmer]

I own a 6HP Yamaha F6. It replaced my Johnson after I couldn't get parts for it anymore. Parts availability post Covid has really hurt the old outboards. It's a real shame but the EPA sure likes it 🙄

[@Kana0211]

​@@InsaneBimmerepa can go to hell

[@bizboomer]

Perhaps look at a parts diagram of the Merc to see if there is a gasket @ the impeller housing. The vent on your fuel cap may not be working correctly as well.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I always unscrew the main cap as well open the vent these days “just in case” and then only tighten down the main cap when all is well.

[@jerryq1000]

Would not have thought of the impeller as a reason for it to not perform... I was going to suggest it might possibly be the plugs. My 50 hp Yamaha (2006) won't perform at all unless the NGK spec'd plugs are installed...

[@klausspunkmeyer5096]

Excellent deduction on the impeller housing. The little bit of salt buildup appears to have been the culprit. I held my breath as you had trouble starting the little gremlin. I half expected you to toss it into the bay after bellowing out a man scream. Nice work!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

This little engine has been testing me this summer!

[@Fudog1138]

I'm just learning outboards. My 18 HP Nissan 2 cycle runs great until I get in the water. Then it poops out when I jump on the throttle. Surges above throttle, then back to idle, doesn't stall, just won't go much above idle. I just replaced fuel and filter. Hoping that's it. The pee tube looks good. I'd like to go to an electic and be done with it, but my wife said no. She has range anxiety. Can't buy an electric car either. I'm grateful to Wayne for documenting his adventures. It's helpful for people like me who are not mechancially intuitive.

[@MoneyPitBoating]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy Glad you're enjoying the electric!

[@samhouston9809]

I highly doubt it's a tempature issue, sounds like a fuel issue. Usually this symptom is fixed by rebuilding the fuel pump or making sure the fuel tank is vented. But as always mechanical things aren't always straightforward. Personally I love the 2 smokers. Whatever floats your boat. Cheers!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

In June I made a video where I went through the entire fuel system - new fuel line, cleaned tank, thorough carb cleaning etc. Hoping to fix this problem.

[@GlenB1963]

Wayne that was fun mate. My little 2.5 is doing the same thing. Hardly any flow from the piss hole. That's what we call them down here in Brisbane Queensland Australia 🇦🇺. I'll put a new impeller in it and give it a go. Cheers from Oz ❤

[@nickb6529]

Does your throttle lever stay in the full throttle position, all the way up? Mine will not, and seems to be pulling down quite a bit, thank you very much your videos on this motor have been a huge help!

[@JCinematic]

Wayne stick with the merc or a good evinrude. I like electric and tried to convince myself to go this route, but in a bit of wind you will use a lot of battery to get home.

[@gjordan8800]

Keep that minn kota 👍

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah for real!

[@Br1anuk]

My brother had a similar problem with a 5hp engine that had a built in fuel tank. Would run great in the barrel but cut out in the sea. It turned out to be the fuel pipes had shellack on the inside through it not being used and the petrol/gas turning to a varnish. The shellack was making its way into the carburettor fuel bowl then blocking the jets. He replaced the fuel pipes and gave the carb a good clear out and it was fine. make sure you drain all the fuel to over winter.

[@CTRadventures]

Mine fires up first key turn on land, some times in the water and other times takes me 6 or so tries. It's a 1987 Johnson 150 V6 2 stroke oil mixed in gas tank. Hot foot and key push choke.

[@CTRadventures]

Then once she's out and has been running, starts on the first crank when moving to different spots. The other issue that's coming up that I don't know what it is. When pushing over 45mph, I'll be pedal to the metal then all of a sudden she boggs and I lose power until I throttle back and she remains around 30. I noticed a few times an electrical dip as well that shut my fish finder off what that happened 🤷

[@JamesSmith-jr2rc]

Perhaps some salt corrosion between impeller and engine.

[@brentcarr8365]

Imo the pee tube should be putting out a stronger stream. Let me know

[@SamSteeles]

That's what I was thinking, especiallt at WOT.

[@SamSteeles]

Pure genious!

[@bentboybbz]

If it was overheating the more likely symptom would be partial seizing...upon shutoff it would be hard to spin...also the higher the rpm the more water it pumps even if it had a leak around that plate...its actually much more likely that the fuel tank in your boat had some bad gas in the line and after installing and removing the motor you have started getting good fuel to the carburetor....carry tools to remove the spark plugs and some startingfluid, if it stops again spray it with starting fluid...if it runs its a fuel problem...if not check for spark...also do it when it happens,as it could be intermittent and work fine later...

[@driftlesshunter9200]

Sea Foam!

[@airman6822]

Did you do a compression test? Seems like it starts awfully hard. Great video, cheers!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

I did not - Thanks - I should!

[@darrylmcleman6456]

put and maintain a zinc anode on it, CHEERS from HERE!!!

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Good point! There’s a really tiny one - but it might need more!

[@davescheer5038]

🌴hey Wayne it seems your motor has an enlarged prostrate, a poor flow problem,so some other vids I’ve seen them use a marine grease on the impeller this might keep the suction of the impeller to drive more water increasing the flow and keeping the motor from getting hot and shutting down , might wanna check out an exploded view on a parts diagram to se if there was so seals missing, seems like ya had a hard time starting it does it have points or is it might want to check it out could be a bad condenser? Or points gap 🤔

[@evanescecse]

Definitely fuel/carb issue on load🤔👍

[@t.j.h2810]

The kill switch is shorting out while under a load. A load in a drum is different than a big water load.

[@rockerdad2]

Hey Wayne,, crazy question that may help others in the same boat ha. What do you recommnend for a 12 aluminum keep in mind lower cost. electric motor and battery . also is 55 riptide a good choice for freshwater? Thank you.

[@stilltuckered]

Filters clogged? When dry, they breathe easy and wet, the clump together?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

There's no filters on this little engine. No air filter or fuel filter

[@mbparafighter]

Are you using same tank of gas?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah it's an internal tank

[@mbparafighter]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy fuel filter and or lines could be clogged in boat. Vent could be clogged in boat

[@jeffreybengal1608]

I'm sure you did but was your vent on your fuel tank open

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah - that tripped me up last year.

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Just how *old* is that motor? That P tube should be operating with more...authority. I don't know if Mercury recommends it, but Flomax work for me 🤠

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Lol. It’s a 2004 - so in outboard years it might need some help!

[@StonedOutlaw97]

Because my dad and 21 foot party barge pontoon signature series by Sun tracker and I'm pretty meet him pretty much do all the work maintenance cleaning to that boat sometimes I do more than he does but I'm the one that puts it in the water and pulls it out of the water because nobody else can do it as good as I can and a lot of people would have an issue with doing but for me hooking it up just back in and down the ramp and pulling it out of the water 5 minutes tops if you wanted out of there faster I can get it out of there in about three mins if you really want it quicker

[@kjfishman547]

My father-inlaw would have called that a barrel motor.

[@SamSteeles]

His name wasn't Teeko Trottier was it?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yeah it was becoming one!

[@fhorst41]

If you don't keep it make me an sell offer. It would be a good size for my conoe.

[@dustinweaver3032]

One of the main problems that I've seen with these new electric motors is they have a proprietary battery if they go out of business in a couple of years or discontinued that model and a few years your kind of up the creek without a paddle it would be nice if you could hook them up to a regular 12 volt deep cycle battery I think the electric motors are very nice but they still cost too much

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The Newport and ePropulsion ones work with other battery brands and battery types - but of course not 12 volts!

[@jillianthomson7935]

That is my concern as well with the electrics that only use the proprietary battery - how long will you be able to get them. I guess that's why I usually by corded tools, rather than battery powered, when I buy new - the 110 volt plug will be around for a long time.

[@donaldhall2316]

It needs to be under a push load

[@coty7228]

I’ll be glad to take it off your hands 😂 shoot me a price.

[@markallison8108]

What happened to the 7.5?

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

It moved to a new home a few years ago

[@vestro59]

Hi, I have a Tohatsu 2.54 stroke 2015 used it 30 times and all and this year it starts and runs only for an hour and a half at a time and then shuts off and restart on the first shot the next day. what do I do you have any ideas for me? Thanks.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Sounds like an overheating issue. I would first try to run something through the cooling system to try to flush out any deposits. Then if it has a thermostat, I would check that and change the impeller (and impeller housing) if it hasn't been done in a few years. If it still acts up, it could possibly be a gasket issue. I'm not a real mechanic though - I just play around with stuff.

[@vestro59]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy thanks will continue this adventure. When do you recommend that I should abandon this motor

[@officialWWM]

Why not put both motors on? 😂

[@MikeHawk42O]

Vapor lock

[@MikeHawk42O]

New gas cap or clean out the old one

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

The cap tripped me up last year when it didn't properly open to vent. I always unscrew the cap as well as the vent these days just to be sure and I don't tighten down the cap until it's running well. In this video you can see the cap vibrating and then later I have it tightened down.

[@MegaRuben28]

You lay the moter down oil and gas in the carb get in places it shouldn’t be

[@gjordan8800]

that's because you had bananas on board😂😂😂🍌🍌🍌

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

lol - solid!

[@marke1951]

Boat anchor!

[@SamSteeles]

Meh. Just convert it into a boat anchor.

[@tenncutt]

So just tell us why please

[@stanleybest8833]

Easy way out for anyone: Air cooled 4 stroke. I bought one.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

There is something to be said for added simplicity!

[@stanleybest8833]

@@WayneTheBoatGuy Please let your audience see the 52 CC air cooled four stroke if you get one.

[@Kana0211]

​@@stanleybest8833honda 2.3

[@unlimitedj06]

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@nikoskag816]

I...hate electrics !

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

But - no carb issues!

[@robertmehnert1267]

You were cool until the electric motor.

[@gabrielb2598]

get a life

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Why do you think they're uncool?

[@riv5438]

@robertmehnert1267 The future is now old man

[@jonboatmorava9115]

Yeah when he introduced the electric motor he went from cool to awesome.

[@allaboutroofing2]

​@@riv5438don't be a miserable person.

[@gilianrampart8514]

Just don't wear a red hat!

[@billveek9518]

Start using oars and stop being so lazy, it'll save the planet, sure it'll take forever to get anywhere but you'll be green and you'll have more friends.

[@tenncutt]

It'll save the planet? Turn off your electricity and phone. It will save the planet and you still wont have any friends

[@InsaneBimmer]

Just remember that for $3000 you could have THREE brand new 2.5hp outboards. Sorry, but my skiff won't be seeing a glorified trolling motor anytime soon.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Yes that's a valid point!