No matter how well you care for your boat, outboard motors can eventually encounter problems. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this 4 part series, we’ll shed light on some common outboard motor issues and provide tips on how to identify and potentially fix them yourself. Read on to discover the top repair issues and how to troubleshoot them yourself.
4 Common complaints with outboard motors are as follows:
Engine Starting Problems: A dead battery, clogged fuel filter, or faulty spark plugs can all prevent your engine from starting.
Rough Idling: This could be caused by dirty carburetor jets, a failing ignition coil, or a vacuum leak.
Loss of Power: Fouled spark plugs, a clogged fuel filter, or a failing water pump can all contribute to a loss of power.
Overheating: A malfunctioning thermostat, clogged water passages, or a faulty water pump can lead to overheating.
In This module, we will cover the first topic on the list, Engine Starting Problems and discover ways to troubleshoot these issues.
Troubleshooting Engine Starting Problems:
Battery
Charge: Ensure your battery is fully charged. Use a voltmeter to check the voltage (should be around 12.6 volts).
Connections: Clean and tighten the battery terminals. Look for any corrosion or loose cables.
Fuel
Supply: Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank.
Quality: Be sure your fuel is Ethanol free to avoid damage to your engine.
Fuel Stabilizer: Always add Fuel Stabilizer to protect your fuel system against the harmful effects of ethanol and other chemicals.
Fuel Lines: Check for any kinks, cracks, or loose connections in the fuel lines.
Fuel Filter: Inspect and replace the fuel filter if it’s dirty or damaged.
Ignition Switch
Connections: Make sure the ignition switch is properly connected and functioning correctly.
Spark Plugs
Check for Spark: Remove a spark plug wire and ground it to the engine block. Crank the engine. You should see a strong blue spark.
Condition: Inspect the spark plugs for signs of wear, fouling, or damage. Replace them if necessary.
Fuel System
Primer Bulb: If your engine has a primer bulb, squeeze it a few times to ensure fuel is flowing to the engine.
Choke: If your engine has a choke, make sure it’s in the correct position for starting.
Buy the right parts the first time
Once you have identified the issue you need to tackle, be sure to shop US Boatworks for discount pricing on boat parts. We carry only QUALITY OEM boat parts for longevity and best fit plus when you call us, you get personalized parts help from our talented and knowledgable staff. Our team of career parts specialists and technicians know your motor inside and out. When you provide your Mercury outboard serial number or Evinrude model number, we can quickly identify the exact part you will need for your repair. Once identified, we will complete your order and ship your parts directly to you that same day. No need to run all around town hoping you can find it. We stock over 1 million boat parts so odds are, we will have what you need.
Need Repair help from the Experts?
Call or text us to schedule service on your motor. Eliminate headaches and downtime struggling to do it yourself. 913-342-0011. Our career technicians can quickly identify your outboard issue and troubleshoot things for you. Once diagnosed, we will contact you back by phone with an estimate then, with your approval, get to work fixing your starting issue or other outboard repair.
