A Quiz for the Experts Only: Why Couldn't the Outboard Engine Run ?

[Alecadi]

This one is for the expert only.
After post #20 (if we get there I'll give you the answer if nobody has found the solution !!)

We got the tender on the foredeck as discussed on CF in another post. Everything ok. We got the o/b engine on its stern post . Perfect also

We went sailing this WE , two beautiful days.. all perfect

We baptized with champagne the tender and made a libation to Neptune before putting the tender in the water !! She floats!!
Everything went perfect..

Only one thing : we could not run the o/b engine...

We found the reason, let see if the experts in the forum can find it also....

[Shrew]

No Gas? (Fuel Empty, Carb Clogged, fuel shutoff)
No spark? (Bad plug, no plug, wire shorted/disconnected)
No Air? (Fuel vent closed/ butterfly valve stuck)

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by Shrew

No Gas? (Fuel Empty, Carb Clogged, fuel shutoff)
No spark? (Bad plug, no plug, wire shorted/disconnected)
No Air? (Fuel vent closed/ butterfly valve stuck)

Nope
Nope
and
Nope

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by Alecadi

This one is for the expert only.
After post #20 (if we get there I'll give you the answer if nobody has found the solution !!)

We got the tender on the foredeck as discussed on CF in another post. Everything ok. We got the o/b engine on its stern post . Perfect also

We went sailing this WE , two beautiful days.. all perfect

We baptized with champagne the tender and made a libation to Neptune before putting the tender in the water !! She floats!!
Everything went perfect..

Only one thing : we could not run the o/b engine...

We found the reason, let see if the experts in the forum can find it also....

Well, I go through a process when an outboard will not start. Without being able to see, smell, touch, or taste the outboard it is really just a WAG.

But, based on experience; (with no other info given)

- kill switch tether not attached, or not well clipped in.
- No fuel / water in fuel / water in carb float bowl.
- foweled plug from fogging motor when stowed (rare since it reflects proper maintenance).

Much more rare;

- intake blocked by wasp nest
- bad ignition module
- clogged fuel strainer / filter (unless blocked by water, rarely causes no start)
- bad primer bulb (usually apparent, as ball does not get hard).



Way down the list;

low compression / 4 stroke valve adjustment / mechanical failure.

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by s/v 'Faith'

Well, I go through a process when an outboard will not start. Without being able to see, smell, touch, or taste the outboard it is really just a WAG.

But, based on experience; (with no other info given)

- kill switch tether not attached, or not well clipped in.
- No fuel / water in fuel / water in carb float bowl.
- foweled plug from fogging motor when stowed (rare since it reflects proper maintenance).

Much more rare;

- intake blocked by wasp nest
- bad ignition module
- clogged fuel strainer / filter (unless blocked by water, rarely causes no start)
- bad primer bulb (usually apparent, as ball does not get hard).



Way down the list;

low compression / 4 stroke valve adjustment / mechanical failure.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO

but thank you for the check list can be useful

[amytom]

Does it have spark?

Does it sputter when a fuel is sprayed down the carb?

Is it in neutral?

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by amytom

Does it have spark?

Does it sputter when a fuel is sprayed down the carb?

Is it in neutral?

That was not the problem at all... keep searching!

[Alecadi]

At post #20 I'll give you the reason why the o/b engine could not run... unless somebody find it before...

[Kettlewell]

1. Shorted or dead kill switch?

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

1. Shorted or dead kill switch?

NOPE
Keep going!!

[pteron]

Broken or missing pull start?

[vet222]

Left the fuel tank at the marina?

[sailorboy1]

based on the little info given you don't need an expert you need a mystic

is this a new outboard? if so did you check the manual to see if there was a shipping/new item that was needed prior to operating the motor the first time

[David M]

Pull cord broken.

A part is missing, like the propeller.

Incorrect fuel line fitting.

Forgot to open the fuel vent in the tank.

Engine previously submerged.

Engine seized.

[s/v 'Faith']

Free thinking operator refused social construct that would require pulling the start cord?

Simply willing the outboard motor to start proved frustrating, and resulted in existential crisis>?