How To Fix An Outboard That Is Hard To Start

If your outboard motor doesn’t start on the first or second pull, then it needs a little tweaking. This engine works great once it starts but it takes too many pulls to get it started. Anything past 4 pulls is unacceptable.

In this video, I am running a Nissan outboard motor that is manufactured by Tohatsu, Japan’s oldest outboard manufacturer. Tohatsu produces high quality and extremely durable outboard motors.

Have you done your annual tune up? Every year before you take your outboard out, you need to check all the basics including carburetor adjustments, choke, idle, spark plugs, fresh fuel, etc. Stay tuned for more outboard repair videos.

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If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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[StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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[bradb]

I respect any man who measures time in beers! Thanks for the videos. I own a few small engines that I can fix now

[bumblbesss]

Ya know, The best thing about fixing a small engine is the "Adrenalin" felling you get before you pull that rope. And then it such great satisfaction.


Awesome video Steve

[christianroulez]

Steve I am 73 years old I started a small engine business and you are a life saver God bless you brother,

[petemoore]

Love your videos! I’ve messed with a few carbs the last couple months and learned a few lessons on my own and from you. The biggest lesson is don’t be afraid to take a carb off! For YEARS I didn’t do it because I thought it would magically be thrown out of adjustment. Troubleshoot down to a carb issue. TAKE IT OFF! CLEAN IT!

[bootersdad]

Steve you are the man! You'll NEVER end up like Gilligan did!

I love this guy as my grandmother. They both taught me great lessons.!

[doctordoom]

I love you Steve ....your actually saving lives with this one.... not just money! Thank

[israelst.vincent]

Steve, I just want to say thanks . Thanks, you are my hero, my mentor. You have allowed me to take care of my family, and I could never thank you enough. My dream is to meet you one day I am not so skilfully with computers, but I still learning been watching your videos for over three years now and still find you very humble and inspirational just know people around the world lo e you

[concernedcitizen]

The A Team....I love it when a plan comes up.

[stanparsley]

I have no small engines to repair, but this guy is cool.

[joshmcdonald]

im going to try this tomorrow! will tell you if it worked for me! Thanks for taking the fear away about taking off the carb.

[michaelames]

Thank you Steve, I'm pulling my carb tomorrow.... same issues!

[theodorecuringa]

Tried this on my 1970 Johnson 15 horse which was taking 7 to 10 pulls to start. After the clean out, it starts on the first pull. Thanks for saving my arm.

[stevefine]

Outboards that will not start are nearly always fuel problems. Junk in gas, lines, tanks and other sources always need filtering. I learned this a long time ago to filter out water and debris with an clear in line filter before the engine. Sure makes starting a lot easier. Great video....A Modelo especial moment.

[scullerlmt]

Steve, you are absolutely awesome and I have learned a ton of stuff from your videos. I bought one of those rotary tips for my power washer and it's amazing. I am very pleased. I also just scarfed up another power washer, used but reconditioned and tuned up...a deal at Lowes (only happened upon an easy talk with a manager-thumbs up to Lowes). The power washer has a Honda motor and came with a new gun, extension and hose. I will fire it up tomorrow and check on the engine and pump. I got it at such a good deal, I couldn't pass it up...already have 2 power washers. I can keep them at a couple places and don't have to lug them back and forth. Your videos have given me the confidence to buy this, knowing I can fix any problem that arises, thanks to you.

[safarijonas]

The look of satisfaction on your face once it starts, is priceless!👍🍾

[jonpatterson]

I have an old '65 Johnson 9-1/2 HP Seahorse. I put a carb kit in, points and condensers, and an aftermarket fuel pump-the original is out of production. As long as I don't flood it during the priming stage, it'll start first or second pull. I love that old outboard. I also started using non-ethanol fuel in all my small engines on the advice of a friend. It has made a difference in how they run, or at least I think so. Thanks for all you do.

[johnmoynihan]

Thanks Steve, you have given me the confidence to have a go at fixing a few problems with my garden tools.  Particularly the carburettor issues.   Thanks again...

[tenncutt]

There I was in the belly of the great white whale (with my boat) and it had to start... thanks to Steve it started and I lived to tell this tale! Good video. I might have expected the low speed jet. I learned something. Thanks