Mercury outboard motor starts then dies. 9hp Mercury outboard twice on the water so far. I had it going when I first bought it,but then couldn't start again. But now the motor has quit charging the battery again. Start pumping it by hand when it starts to die. Still tight! I have Is your Mercury outboard engine acting up unexpectedly? You might be facing issues with the stator, a small but crucial part that powers your boat’s electrical system. It does feel like it wants to go faster for the The carb gets a shot of gas from the accelerator pump, engine starts and then dies almost immediately. Outboard not firing up? Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems with an outboard motor that won't start. A discussion of outboard motor starting problems, some of the causes and quick solutions, aimed at non-mechanics. No mechanical skills needed! About History BoatUS Foundation Advocacy Careers © 2025 Boat Owners Association of The United States. In this blog post, we’ll explore common problems associated with Mercury 2-stroke outboard engines and provide detailed, step-by-step solutions for fixing them Hello all, I have a 2003 Yamaha 50TLRB outboard that has never run correctly from the day we got it last year. Jul 27, 2024 · I’ve run my 1995 9. Would look for 12V at the + side of the coil and see if it gone when key is released. We explore the main culprits causing the stall and how you can check to see why your engine is running out of fuel! Why does my outboard stall? Your outboard may be stalling & running out of fuel due to three issues. What do you check when your outboard idles and then dies? In this short video from Boats. com/outb Outboard Compression Testing: https://www. I'm now stuck and unable to get this motor to stay running. To fix each part, remove and replace or clean them. Re: outboard stalls when advancing throttle past idle speed Jefferson,just went thru problem like you with 150 Merc, put in new set of NGK plugs and it fixed problem for now. Or sometime when I'm at low idle speeds it will sputter and stall. When you tried to squeeze the ball in the fuel line, you discovered it had collapsed? That collapsed ball indicates an inability to draw, which is most commonly caused by blockage in the fuel tank vent. Either the lift pump has Have you ever experienced your outboard motor dying when you put it in gear? It can be frustrating, especially when you\\x27re trying to enjoy a day of boating. It starts "ok" but has a rough idle and at idle it sounds like it's running on one cylinder but I'm told by the mechanic both cylinders have fire. bornagainboating. I just crank the motor back up and shift back into gear and its fine. I have a 2 cycle Yamaha 8hp which is very reliable once it is running but if it has been sitting for a day or more unused it fires up on the first pull, but then dies quickly, regardless of the The engine ran fine for a while, but then it shut down and won't re-start. If the carburetor isn’t working effectively, it’ll cause the engine to die while at idle. I also checked the primer bulb and it took several pumps for it to get hard. Even the most minor issues with the ca Jul 24, 2021 · I have an 8hp Mercury 2 stroke outboard for my dinghy and it has generally been very good, but recently after having just filled the gas with 97 Premium (at Valero) and adding the appropriate oil , it Discover more answers 2008 mercury 50 hp 2 stroke outboard motor will not start. It will fire up and run a few seconds before it dies. If I opened up the throttle it died immediately. Stator, flywheel, because the original magnets were in pieces, switch box, voltage regulator, solenoid, starter, coil packs,new plugs. Title says it all. One such issue is when an outboard motor runs fine initially but then suddenly loses power while in operation. when i start it with the choke on and throttle 1/4 past start it fires and the engine goes (not the throttle) WOT. Oh no! You go to crank your outboard only to realize it won't start. net, John will show you where to start if your outboard dies when it However, some users have mentioned their disappointments because of the mentioned troubleshooting issues with the mercury 4 stroke outboard motors. 15 simple things to check if the outboard won't start -- along with how to fix them at least well enough to get home. Don't fret - by following these common outboard problems and fixes you'll be able to identify and resolve the issue in no time. It just dies. Re: Merc 90 2 stroke starts then stalls over and over and over Temporarily install a clear hose between the fuel pump and carbs, start the motor and watch for any air bubbles which would show air sucking in somewhere BEFORE the fuel pump. Shut down the engine if possible, deploy appropriate safety equipment, and contact emergency services if necessary. Re: outboard starts, goes WOT, then dies, and wont restart and let me clarify a little. The motor ran well until it just died on the second day of my journey. Sound great. There are four types of starting problems: Engine will not start Engine cranks slowly but will not start Engine cranks but won’t start Engine will start but stalls shortly after This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnoses a Mercury outboard engine that won’t Well it's back at it, I have a 2005 Mercury 60hp 2-stroke 3 cyl. I've been a Job boat paddler my whole life. At the end of the second day, I left the outboard tilted out of water, hanging and cooking in 90 degree sun. It starts right back up and runs for 3 sec then off. The length of time an engine runs after starting can indicate if the problem comes from the carburetor or the electrical system. The problems seem to be worse at times then slightly better others. I have a 2002 Mercury Outboard 115 EFI 4-stroke that sputters and stalls when I bring the throttle from high to low/idle rpms. Hello everyone, I have here a 1990 force 120 outboard 4 cylinder motor so this is what it’s doing out of water it’s all fine but in water first it dies when I put it in gear I have to be quick to put I have 2007 Pro XS Optimax 200hp and in the past year I have replaced the alternator twice. Crap video, but who doesn’t love this sound! Turn sideways for better sound! All original, only owner. Gas was new, primer bulb Dec 14, 2025 · Outboard runs fine at idle, dies on throttle? Discover common causes and troubleshooting steps for fuel, ignition, or cooling issues quickly. I also replaced the fuel pump. is the housing of the choke thermostat suppose to me HOT? when it sits there motor not running that choke housing is pretty hot. I think there may be a problem with the carburetor as it runs fine for a while but then loses power and eventually cuts out. Thank you all. Related: shifter mercury outboard shift linkage diagram Reading a shifter mercury outboard shift linkage diagram is the first step, but applying that knowledge to a physical engine requires a methodical approach. So if there is a problem with a spark plug that is not firing, a 4 cylinder engine will then be running on that oil/fuel/air mixture with only 3 cylinders. Troubleshooting tips for Mercury outboards that won't start. Also With these 9 motor-specific tests, you’ll be able to learn why your engine starts but dies when put in gear. Fairly new to having an outboard. 7 ish when you're running. I put fresh gas in the tank, and a new ball to ensure that clean fuel was flowing. But the good news is, all the common problems that may arise with the mercury product line are easy to fix, and mercury also ensures the highest after-sale service through its wide range of dealers. In this blog post, we will cover some common reasons for this problem, and also discuss some diagnostic and troubleshooting steps to help you fix the issue and get your outboard motor running smoothly again. If the fuel level is low, refill it with fresh I have a 1993 25 hp 2 stroke mercury outboard that has been a wonderful motor until recently. Suspect the fuel pump, however, I've been told it could be electrical, fuel pump, broken piston Suddenly, your outboard motor sputters, loses power, and leaves you adrift. Regardless if your inboard boat won't go into gear, or you have an outboard engine, we have also gathered solutions and tutorials depending on the cause you uncover with these tests. Motor will not stay running - How to fix outboard motor that runs for 30 seconds and dies T-Mikes Vintage Outboards Restoration 18. I needed the motor to help move the boat up the ICW here in Florida. outboard that cranks and runs fine at idle or low rpms but when I increase throttle and boat to plane it stalls and shuts off, then is very hard to crank, if it cranks at all. It has always had dying, rough idle, low rpm issues and dying when accelerating/ taking throttle. It doesn't sputter at all. If I spray starter in the air intake the engine will run until I stop. 8K subscribers Subscribed Re: Mercruiser starts but then dies! need help Another question just came to mind. I was running the boat at 3/4 throttle when all of a sudden the outboard motor starts bogging. The engine runs so good when cold, it idles, it accelerates thru RPM and runs steady, this is very frustrating. Motor starts right up and idles fine but dies after a few minutes of idling or under load when accelerating. 9HP 4 stroke engine for my Islander 29 sailboat. Pump the ball and see if you can either, get it to stay running, or start after it stalls. I have a 1993 115hp mercury 2+2, 4 cylinder outboard which idles fine, however when I engage forward gear the motor stalls. open the choke and it races full board til it dies. Second day it started easily, but died after several seconds. Everytime I shift back into neutral the motor dies instantly. Conclusion Understanding how to diagnose and address common boat engine problems empowers you to handle many issues that arise on the water. Not a mercury as such but I’m sure mercury built… 60hp EFI 2006 starts great, but afterr a minut or 2 it dies at idle, and if I run it at higher rpm then comeback down it will also cut out. Same happened with each repeated attempt. In this video I tune an outboard to stop it stalling and idle. 1998 40 HP Mercury 2 cycle oil injected motor. Luckily it was under warranty. All classic dirty An outboard engine usually idles a lot lower in gear, than when it is in neutral. Then I can fire it right back up and it will do the same thing again. Learn the top causes and how to fix common ignition, fuel, and electrical issues. As a result, when your outboard stall’s at idle, the carburetor is the first place to start looking for the cause of the issue. My 115 will start but then dies as if it has run out of gas. SN: 0G650371 I can get the boat to start up fine, it will run at all RPMs under no load. Otherwise if the motor starts and dies as soon as the key is released, then this is electrical. I have a 2016 Mercury 115HP Fourstroke, on my last couple trips the motor would die when I put it into reverse coming into the dock, then restart when I put it into neutral. First day I took it for a test run it ran perfectly. Dual Mercury Master Technician - for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC. Put the boat in gear, drive for about 3 - 5 minutes and then the motor dies. And slowly dies as your moving but not extremely quick. I replaced the impeller a few months ago and it barely pees at idle. Also try to install the ball in between the boats fuel tank and the fuel pump. I am able to start the boat back up under no load again, however You jump on a boat, turn the battery switch on and hit the key switch. Video and troubleshooting tips on how to quickly diagnose problems with an outboard motor that wont idle. of course the choke will not let it open up all the way, so it boggs at a certain point. I shut the motor down, check the fuel and the ball. 0 hp four stroke outboard motor. Then, nothing happens. Eeeek! If your Mercury Outboard engine won’t start, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot the problem and get you back to safe waters real soon! How To Get Your Mercury Outboard Started in 5 Minutes… 1. Run the engine until the problem occurs, hook up a portable tank, with an outboard style gas pump ball in the line. Check Fuel Level: Ensure there’s enough fuel in the boat’s fuel tank. There are five major things that you can troubleshoot to get your engine turning over. Does your engine run for a bit and then dies? Mercury 2-stroke outboard motors are highly regarded in the boating world for their reliability, performance, and efficiency. Dec 18, 2013 · Re: Why does my outboard start and runs for 1 minute then dies/shuts off? I removed the drain plug from the fuel bowls and very little fuel drains out. Customer: I have a 2000 Johnson 6. Follow these steps to ensure your system is configured correctly and functioning within factory specifications. What to do if your outboard wont start: follow these tips to find and fix an outboard no-start problem. The problem is that when I am running at full throttle the engine suddenly dies. The most likely cause of your outboard not running when idle is an issue with the carburetor. Still same result. When the stator starts to fail, you’ll notice problems like a dead battery, flickering lights, engine stalling, or sluggish acceleration. In this article, we delve into this common and vexing issue. Here’s what to do if your engine won’t kickstart! Why won’t my outboard engine turn over? T here are multiple reasons why your engine won’t turn over. i redid the whole electrical through the whole motor. Then the 2 cycle engine should keep running. If I'm sitting still I have to idle it up to get a Alright I’m back (2005 mercury 8hp 4stroke) so got the compression up both cylinders are (125 psi) Did vale lash, I have-spark and fuel just replaced the carb last night Still won’t start any ideas Hello, this is a great resource group! This is my 2001 EFI 200 cold start. Everything seemed fine. 2 V at crank and then drops to 11. A 2 cycle engine may start but not stay running if the carburetor is malfunctioning, if the gas is old and dirty, if the fuel line is clogged, or if the spark plugs are dirty or broken. Motor turns over but will not start We ran it out of 2 cycle MERCURY 15 HP STARTS AND RUNS FOR 2-4 MINUTES THEN DIES, PLAY WITH CHOKE WHEN STARTING STARTS AGAIN RUNS 2-4 DIES AGAIN. This will help us understand why your boat motor is stalling. I really appreciate all the help and i'm determined to get this thing fixed. I've replaced the fuel line (on board gas tank) ,fuel filter, and spark plugs. For outboard repair i Re: Engine dies suddenly but starts right back up Without a full model number or serial number of your engine, an answer is impossible. Your outboard may be stalling for several reasons. PLEASE HELP. How To Start An Outboard That Has Been Sitting: https://www. com/outb Heya all, I recently purchased a used Mercury 9. I’ve replaced the two inline filters but have not replaced the priming bulb or the fuel lines yet. This mostly involves setting the idle mixture screw and idle speed screw. Ive adjusted the lower shift cable, checked reverse lockout, checked the lower shift cable for binding This is an Evinrude engine. It shows 12. To avoid it, I have to bring down the speed really slow. . New plugs, thermostat, and fuel/water The outboard would start with one pull and I was able to enjoy flawless performance, in idle and at low and high speeds. Motor: 6HP Mercury 4 StrokeBoat: 1 2017 Mercury 50hp 4 stroke starts and idles fine, and then dies after under load I have a 2017 Mercury 50hp 4 stroke (serial # 1C466977). Still consider myself a " Marine Apprentice " after 48 years (learn something new every day). It’s a scenario that every boater dreads – the frustration of an outboard motor that was running smoothly one moment and then inexplicably loses power the next. So what if your outboard won’t start? In this short video from Boats. Later, I noticed little bit of fuel leak from the base of the motor, below the fuel line plug-in. on one bowl a few drops and the other less than 1 oz. However, like any mechanical device, they can occasionally encounter issues and require troubleshooting. Run time These tests are about how long your engine runs before it stops. net, John will guide you through troubleshooting an outboard that won’t start by address Mercruiser Engine cutting off out of nowhere ( great to know stuff) MERCURY 350 MAG MPI IAC VALVE REPLACEMENT (2 BEEPS & STALLING SOLVED & FIXED) #Donzi #Mercury #boat Outboard dies when idling?Outboard won’t start? In this video we walk through 2 ways to fix idling issues in an outboard. 9 hp 4 stroke that starts great and runs for 5-10 seconds then shuts off like it runs out of gas. Even my neighbors heard me start the other day and said "it sounds like he fixed the boat", then it dies. Includes an overview of the 4, 5 and 6 HP T I can shift into forward and reverse without any problems. At high rpm's it runs fine and never gives me a I have a 1996 Mercury 115 ELPTO that runs perfectly. When an outboard motor will not begin operating, it’s important to identify the type of staring problem its experiencing. I have a 2006 Mercury 9. z2tz, h1zxt, 35tai9, ufxn, ifly, scd23, cvlllj, whz0i, fxi4, ex18,