Outboard engine troubles

[Stu]

does any one have a Yamaha T9.9S 4 stroke outboard ? -- We got stuck out on puget sound when the wind died totally and our outboard just stopped trying to get back ... it would start again but would not run for more than a few seconds --- we were lucky enough that a friendly group offered to tow us (after the kids started panicing) so we were saved after about an hourI no nothing about outboards so not sure what is normal and whats not .. reading the manuals it says it could be a few things -- -- no fuel .. the guage says thats its 3/4 full but that could be wrong I suppose-- The fuel could be old and stale and prehaps contaminated -- (the boat has sat for a year i think -- but everything was great att he sea trial and last weekend)-- Fuel lines are blocking -- (dont know how to check this one)-- fuel pump is blocked or not working The other thing we read was that water is supposed to be coming out from "somewere" .. (I love how that dont tell you were) and over heating could have caused this -- we started the engine about 40 mins to an hour later and still the samething -- every now and then if I pumped the fuel bulb alot it would run for a little longer -- Why dont I look in the tank you all ask .... well there is no were to look .. the fuel is filled from and external filling port and the tank is under the outboard well and doesnt have an inspection hole as its pumped straight to the motor -- Anyway any advice would be great -- as we would like to sail again this weekend ... it was really really great while it lasted

 

[Tim Bastian]

Engine trouble

Hello Stu, All of the things you have mentioned could contribute to your problem. However from what you have said it sounds like it is a fuel problem. As for the cooling water, it comes out of a small hole on the right side of the engine toward the back of the engine cowling. This is the part that is normally above the waterline and the stream should be readily visible. Now for the possible fuel problem. Check your fuel filter first. If it has any foreign material in it remove the filter and flush out your fuel tank and lines. Make sure that you have free flow of fuel from the tank to the filter. There is a line that runs from the filter to the engine. Make sure that there is free fuel flow from the filter to the engine. If all of this is good, try starting the engine then immediately remove a spark plug and check it for fuel. If it is dry then I would suspect the fuel pump. If it’s wet with fuel I would start looking at other areas. (air intake, ignition) Hope this helps, Tim Bastian Zephyr’s Aura Hixson, TN

 

[John Dawson]

Air foil?

Hi Stu, hope the family weathered it okay. Don't know much about outboards or the M26 tank but the simplest thing it could be is that the air vent on the tank wasn't open and if air can't get in, the vacuum doesn't let fuel get out. Squeezing the bulb would force a little fuel out each time, enough to sputter the engine. Its a possibility that fits the symptoms anyway. You should change fuel that old, or at least dilute it with new fuel if possible. The water should come out when the engine is running, but may not in a first few seconds. The water thing is critical for the w/pump itself and the engine. Don't go too far until all aspects are tested on the boat, and take your cell phone at least.p.s. what is the name of your boat? I couldn't read it from the picture. Are you keeping the same name?

 

[Stu]

Thanks for the advise

Thank all -- Definately sounds like a fuel system problem some were -- Today I'm going to try and syphon all the fuel out and get some fresh stuff in there. and then try and fumble my way though the rest of the trouble shooting of the fuel system ... I'm a clutz when it comes to that stuff but there no place like the present to learn cheers

 

[Norm]

old gas

I had that same problem on my last boat. It turned out to be bad gasoline. It had only been sitting for 5 months. Now I don't use gas that is over a month old.

 

[Stu]

Tried a heap of stuff today

I tried everything in I knew today -- basically all the lines apart and could see feul getting to most part of the engine. I tool the ful pump apart, the top of the carby (well the float tank) I syphoned out about 5 gallons of fuel and then put a gallon of "good" fuel in the moter actually started and ran for about 10 minutes ut really really rough -- it came good for about 3 minutes then went back to soundng like it was running on 1 anf a half cylenders rather than 2 -- I checked the spark plugs and one was totally dry but the other was a little "wet" so I'm not sure what that means, there was plenty of oil in it as well -- I've heard you can get a fuel aditive that "fixed" bad fuel - has any one heard of this product? -- I'm going to try that tomorrow -- if that doesnt do it I'll get some more 5 gallon tanks and syphon the lot and put a few gallons of good stuff in it ... if that doesnt work its off to an outboard motor machanic ... akkkk .... $$$$$ One thing I did notice was the water flow did not sema to be good -- only a dribble was coming out rather than a stream of water .. if I rev'd it up lots and lots of bubbles (I mean lots) came from what seamed to be the water intakes but not much more that a dribble coming wout the water holes under the cowling--

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Cooling water....

Hey Stu,Unless your engine is getting sufficient cooling water, I wouldn't be running that engine at all! Suggest you get the service manual and check the condition of the water pump impeller. It' easy to do, IF you know how. Maybe it's time for a new impeller. If you keep running hot, you're going to cause seized pistons: i.e., overheated expanded piston skirts rubbing the cylinder walls rough, which then destroys the piston rings, or worse.

 

[Stu]

Probaly 2 problems here :-(

I'm pretty sure I've got old fuel and it all needs replacing -- but sounds like I have another issue with the water flow as well -- thats a little beyond me so going to have to search for a machanic or some one that can help me out .. thanks again every one for the advice ... great as usual

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Get the manual....

Stu,Before you give up and take the motor to the mechanic, get the manual first. An outboard is a pretty basic piece of machinery. It may seem confusing to repair, but if you read about each separate section of the unit it becomes less difficult to figure-out what the problem is and how to fix it. It's no big deal, but you need to read the service manual first. Cheaper than just letting a professional mechanic work on it and then having you pray that the bill won't break the bank. If you can't fix it, for whatever reasons, THEN take it to the mechanic. I was professional mechanic many years ago. Occasionally, someone would bring an engine into the shop in pieces because they lost confidence in what they were doing. Although a funny situation for us, at least they tried their best. If nothing else, it'll be a learning experience that could help you in the future.

 

[John Dawson]

I get it

A MAChanic! good one, Stu. Still curious what that name was on the freeboard and if you are keeping it?

 

[Stu]

Sorry John ..

Hey John .. sorry I missed that question .. I've been away for 2 days Halibut fishing off the cost at west port do didnt read this till now as well - the Name of the Boat is Caroline -- I dont like the name as it means nothing to me -- we are thinking of renaming it to my daughters name Naomi but my son doesn't like that one -- he wants MOJO -- I'm a little superstitious (ok i cant spell) and having a hard time changing it as well ... The other thing is the boat has another name on it Mc Chesney .. apparently they were the original owners of the boat -- look at the pic I attached

 

[John Dawson]

Mojo renaming

There is a renaming ceremony that sounds pretty good in the archives. Of course it may take a while for your son to get used to his new name, i.e. Caroline .