BotH617WebEdition2

June 2017

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BOAT TALKWITH

Alex Salomatoff.

Alex

Salomatoff

If you have a question for Master Mechanic and Owner of Alex’s

Marine Plus in New Windsor, NY, simply call Alex at 845-565-9199

or e-mail,

AlexsMarine@aol.com

Alex’s Marine Plus

2907 Rte 9W Suite 200,

NewWindsor, NY 12553

(845) 565-9199

alexsmarineplus.com

Alex: My Engine Is Overheating, It Is An Outboard Motor

Outboard motors rely on a continuous amount of water flowing through the engine to keep cool. When there

is not enough water going through the engine, overheating occurs. To fix this, turn the engine off and check if

there is any blockage in water flow. This can be due to foreign objects like weeds blocking the water intake. Try

running the engine again after it has cooled down.

Another possible cause of overheating is a broken water pump impeller. The water pump impeller is a round

disc with blades that circulate water through the outboard motor. When this part is broken, it cuts off the

water supply to the engine and causes the engine to overheat. If this is the problem, replace the broken pump

impeller with a new one.

Alex: I Have Excessive Vibration of the

Outboard Engine

Engine vibration can be caused by a variety of factors. The most

common cause is a damaged or loose propeller. The first step

in troubleshooting this problem is to check if the propeller is

attached securely. Examine the blades for any breaks, bends, or

cracks. If the propeller seems loose, tighten the components.

However, if the propeller is damaged, replace it with a new one,

and then run the engine to see if the vibration stops.

Another cause of engine vibration is worn-out rubber isolation

mounts. These absorb engine vibration and prevent it from being

felt by the user. Worn-out parts can aggravate engine shaking.

To fix this problem, remove the cover plates of the engine. If

necessary, consider removing the powerhead and lowering the

engine cover. Inspect the rubber isolation mounts and proceed to

tighten the loose ones. Also, replace the worn-out mounts with

new ones.

Alex My Engine Suddenly Cuts Off

One possible cause of an engine cut-off is a collapsed primer

bulb. This happens when a vacuum forms inside the fuel tank,

cutting off the fuel supply to the engine. To fix this problem,

simply loosen the vent screw to allow some ventilation, and then

pump the primer

bulb until it is hard.

Some boaters may have also pulled out the kill switch by

accident, causing the engine to stop suddenly. If this is the case,

just disengage the kill switch in order to start the engine again.

ALEX: My Engine Does Not Start

There are many causes for a no-start scenario in outboard engines. The table below shows

the common causes for this problem and their corresponding fixes.

Possible Cause

Solution

Fuel tank is empty

Fill the fuel tank with the right type of fuel. If the engine has overheated

and is still hot, wait for it to cool down before filling the tank.

Fuel tank has old fuel

Fuel that has been in the tank for over 30 days should be drained and

replaced with clean, fresh fuel.

Kill switch is engaged

Disengage the kill-switch.

Kill switch clip is not inserted

Insert the kill switch clip firmly into place. Alternatively, try removing

the clip and putting it back in place.

Engine is in gear

The engine needs to be set to neutral in order to start. Slip the engine

lever to neutral and try starting again.

Dead battery (electric motors only)

Charge the battery to give the engine enough power to start up.

Also, check the electrical connections of the engine for any signs of

damage, corrosion, or loose wires.

Damaged spark plugs

or ignition system

Use a spark plug tester to check if the ignition system is in good

condition or if the plug is sparking. If not, replace the spark plugs with

new ones. In more extreme cases of damage, the ignition system may

need to be replaced.