help needed with my outboard (urgent)

Nath_18 · #1 04-11-2003, 03:59 AM

Hi all i really need some help with my outboard (older modle Johnson 6hp Seahorse).
For some reason it hasnt been starting lately and when i does you can run it fine for as long as you like but as soon as you turn it of and start it again it wont start. My father fidled around with it today and found that it would only start out of water.
I also checked to see if there was water in the fuel tank but there is none the fuel isnt old.
I really need some urgent help please as i was looking forward to taking it out for a trip to Apollo bay.

thanks guys

#2 04-11-2003, 04:20 AM

Sounds like worn out rings (lack of compression) - have you run it with no oil in the fuel bye chance????

Check spark and fuel separately.

1. pull the plug and crank her over while earthing the body of the plug to the block (hold it owth insulated handle pliers.

See if you have strong spark.

If so screw it back in if not change the plug for a new one it MAY be breaking down (shorting out) under heat.

2. With a known strong spark, and the plug re installed, Spray a little fuel down throat of carby from a squeeze pack bottle while pulling her over abnd see if she fires, if she does - then you have a fuel problem in the carby...possibly water in the carby bowl...

The older Johnstons from memory didn't have a thru prop underwater exhaust, so extra backpressure shouldn't stop her from starting up.

More likely that the plug is bad and shorting to some part of the OB body which when it;s in water takes all the spark and is why the plug won't fire. When it;s outta water the OB earth has no contact (due to rubber tyres on the trailer) and the plug fires cos theres no other easey path to earth - im betting you have a bad spark plug.

Cheers!

Nath_18 · #3 04-11-2003, 07:07 AM

Thanks heaps Trouty you saved me allot of money by the looks of things. Ill be sure to get some new spark plugs tomorrow before i take it into the marine mechanic (so i dont waste my time).
The engine is in really good nick nice and clean, runs well and is very quiet so i was disapointed to find out it wasnt working.

chears, Nathan