OUTBOARD MOTOR FAULT FINDING FAQS

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.