[Lord Jebe]

Checking to make sure your engine is getting air is the easiest part. Typically just a visual inspection of the air filter and carburetor area is all it takes. "Air" is usually never the problem. I have only once in my life experienced air being the problem with a 2 stroke engine not starting. It was an old snowmobile that had no air filter and it had sucked a piece of plastic sheeting material that came loose from under the hood into the carburetor. Somehow the plastic had jammed just right as to not cause the throttle to stick wide open but to block the air flow into the engine. (Just a side note, never run any kind of an engine without a good air filter. Your just asking to wear out your engine prematurely or worse.)

[Alex]

If you still don't have spark with a new spark plug, you have problems with your electrical system. I won't go into any more detail on that in this article but I plan to add these types of things to this website as I have time. [links]

[nimnul]

Ok, so you have the spark plug out of the motor, if the business end of the spark plug is completely caked with black crud, do yourself a favor and get a new spark plug right away. With that said, if the plug looks wet, you are getting fuel. If it looks dry, well, don't panic yet. Either way, put the spark plug wire back on the plug and lay the business end of the plug on the head (just set the plug on the metal part of the engine near the hole you took it out of). What you are doing here is grounding the plug to the engine, as if it were installed in the engine, but you want to be able to see if the plug sparks when you turn the engine over. more

[Solego]

In the UK, as of September, forecourt standard unleaded fuel will be classed as “E10” which means it has a higher Ethanol content (10%) than it currently does (5%). this could cause a number of problems for outboard owners as the new standard of fuel can possibly lead to internal corrosion, particularly in the Caburettor. In all cases follow the engine manufacturers’ guidance as I’m no scientist but from what I’ve read, I will be using Super Unleaded from now on in which does not contain any ethanol.

[jonathan01]

If you do happen to be an expert in the field and can shed some proper scientifc evidence on this subject to help others avoid breakdowns and possible carburettor replacenent, please feel free to comment. [links]

[orlov747]

The majority of engines I get in are with me because of carburettor problems generally caused by a build up of grunge over time, my reading of it is that E10 unleaded will make that even worse, I would suggest you take a read up on the subject and before you put your engine away at the end of this season, that it is filled and run with Super Unleaded. more

[markharry114]

Electric Start Outboards: here

[george14]

If you have fuel left in your tank, add Fuel Stabilizer to it and fill the tank to keep condensation and evaporation to a minimum. more

[edgeleyx]

Be sure you have water hooked up to your water intakes before turning over your outboard to prevent damage to your water pump. While spraying the storage oil into the spark plug holes, turn the engine over in 5 second bursts using your electric starter. Do not over “crank” your engine or you could damage the electric starter. here

[sgtstein]

Storing down in the salt water drastically increases the potential for corrosion.

[spa]

Change the gear oil in the lower unit (step-by-step instructions). here

[georgewilliams]

I spotted this outboard engine last year (see photo) wrapped in an old shower curtain. At least this owner didn’t go all the way and seal the plastic with duct tape. more

[greene63]

4. Hook up the water again and run the motor for a good 10-15 minutes, to work the stabilized fuel through the motor. [links]

[Guybrush]

Wrapping an outboard in plastic is asking for corrosion trouble under the cowl.

[reverselockup23]

Use your finger nail or a sharp pick to check for fishing line around the shaft at the seal. It’s often embedded in grease and hard to see.

[mr1337357]

When you wrap an outboard in plastic you ensure that any moisture that’s under the cowl, or gets under the cowl, cannot escape through the vents in the cowl provided just for that purpose. This moisture, even if it’s just condensation, can start corrosion on electrical connections and moving parts like the throttle linkage. During the course of the winter there will be cold days and warmer days, the sun may shine on your motor, and the air under the cowl will need to breathe. more