OUTBOARD MOTOR FAULT FINDING FAQS
Outboard Motor Fault Finding FAQs Frequently asked questions to help you diagnose common outboard motor faults
There are many reasons why an outboard motor may not start, some of which are easier to fix than others. Here are some of the most common and easily fixed faults that can cause an outboard not to start.
If it is completely dead, it could be:
• The key is not properly engaged
• The kill cord or kill cord button is not properly engaged
• The battery is dead
If it starts, but then stops immediately, it could be:
• The kill cord or kill cord button is not properly engaged
• The fuel is not primed
• The fuel is old/contaminated
• A fuel line is blocked
• An air lock in the fuel tank or fuel tank pipe
If you need help with an outboard that is not starting, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. You can also order spares via our spare parts page if you are capable of carrying out minor repairs yourself. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may misfire, but the most common reasons are:
• The fuel is poor quality, old/contaminated
• The timing or ignition is misaligned
• One or more of the spark plugs need cleaning/replacing
If you need help with an outboard that is misfiring, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. Alternatively, if you need to replace the spark plugs and can do it yourself, visit our spare parts page to order from our comprehensive range of genuine Mercury, Yamaha and Suzuki outboard parts and accessories. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
Firstly, stop your engine immediately if this happens, as running an outboard motor that isn’t pumping water, can cause serious damage.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not be pumping water, but the most common reasons are:
• The intake is not fully submerged in water
• The intake is blocked – mud, sand and other debris can get inside and cause a blockage
• A salt blockage in the water pipes that requires flushing
• The impellor is worn or broken
If you need help with an outboard that is failing to pump water, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not be running at full power, but the most common reasons are:
• The propeller is spun – caused by damage to the bond between the propeller and prop shaft
• The propeller has debris tangled around it – seaweed, old rope and fishing lines are the most common culprits
• There is an air leak in the fuel line
• The spark plug wiring is corroded
If you need help with an outboard that is not running at full power, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not go into neutral, but the most common reasons are:
• A faulty shift interrupter
• The shift cable is sticking/worn or needs adjustment
• A lubrication issue – insufficient lubrication and old lubricant can cause binding
If you need help with an outboard that is failing to going into neutral, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not idle, but the most common reasons are:
• The carburettor needs adjusting or replacing (if it has one)
• The fuel injection IAC valve is clogged (if it has one)
• The fuel filter needs to be cleaned/replaced
• The air filter needs to be cleaned/replaced
• The fuel is poor quality, old/contaminated
• There is a kink or leak in a fuel line
• One or more of the spark plugs need cleaning/replacing
If you need help with an outboard that is failing to idle, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not shut off with the key, but the most common reasons are:
• The ignition switch is damaged/faulty
• The wiring harness is damaged/faulty
If you need help with an outboard that isn’t shutting off with the key, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
There are a number of reasons why an outboard motor may not accelerate, but the most common reasons are:
• The propeller has debris tangled around it – seaweed, old rope and fishing lines are the most common culprits
• There is an air leak in the fuel line
• The fuel filter needs to be cleaned/replaced
• The fuel is poor quality, old/contaminated
• One or more of the spark plugs need cleaning/replacing
• The impellor is worn or broken
• The fuel pump is malfunctioning
If you need help with an outboard that isn’t accelerating, visit our repair page to book your repair or find out more about our services. If you would prefer to speak to someone, you can call us on: 023 80388 608.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Regular outboard servicing and winterising can prevent a lot of these faults from occurring, which will ultimately save you time and money in the long run, so if you haven’t already, make sure you get your outboard motor booked in!
GET IN TOUCH TODAY
CALL US: 02380 388608
EMAIL: sales@mbmarine.co.uk
Sean Nagle30/07/2021Mark's a very helpful guy who go the part I needed in two days from Holland - no mean feat in these Brexit days...! Recommend him and MB MarineGeorge Thompson30/03/2021We used MB Marine Sales to check over our boat to get her ready to be sold, as well as winterising the engines. There was clear communication throughout, really helpful and professional. Can’t recommend Mark and his services enough.Darren Botting13/08/2020Mark knows his stuff absolutely a top bloke bought several parts from him for my mercury 15 hp 2 stroke and decided to purchase an hour old mercury 4 stroke just waiting for Mark to fit if you want your engine s serviced mark is the man 5 * serviceAndy Andy Murray03/06/2020Mark and Craig are 1st class. Ive used MB marine to service and maintain my ribs since I bought them. Nothing is too much, really helpful and always on the end of the phone to help.Matthew Holland30/05/2020Mark has been an absolute life saver, provided the parts we needed to fix the impella on my Rib. He was really busy but then proceeded to spend lots of time on numerous calls helping us out with telephone support which was invaluable! I have never experienced service like this and someone who will go the extra mile to help! I recommend everyone puts a MB Marine sticker on their engine for when you need him, you won’t find better!Tim Lees30/05/2020Absolutely fantastic help and service this morning especially considering the difficult covid restrictions. So very impressed with the positive and helpful attitude and advice We will definitely be going back in future when we need repairs service or anything else Also so very glad you are now supporting and servicing the Lymington area Will most highly recommend ThankyouAquaMarine Yacht Repairs & Refits24/05/2020We have been using MB Marine for a numbers of years now, very reliable and a professional set up workshop for outboards for repairs and servicing, always been there when we needed them and with realistic prices.Portsmouth RIB Charter18/05/2020Excellent service as always - have been using Mark to service and repair both my outboards since I bought both ribs. Great and reliable work every time! We use both our ribs as commercial charter boats so always need them in perfect working order - they have never let us down with care and maintenance that Mark provides. Would highly recommend.Elev8 Fitness18/05/2020Fantastic service - very knowledgeable and was able to diagnose the issue with my engine. Would recommend 100%August Race Greece11/05/2020I have always used MB Marine for all our boats servicing and repairs. Friendly efficient service from everyone there. Would highly recommend!
