How do I get a old outboard motor running.?

Question

I have put it in a trash can full of water. like u would mount it on a boat. i've replaced the gas and gas lines. but cant get it too fire. i've put a new spark plug in it. do i need to clean out the carburetor this was my dads.

Answer 1

Check if you get a spark.  Are you getting compression?  Next is the gasoline.  If it was stored for many months with gasoline in the carburetor (especially if it is a two cycle) the carb may be gummed up and will need degunking.

Answer 2

yea you can replace the fuel and fuel lines all you want but if the carb has old gas in it and the motor is a 2 stroke then the oil in the gas gets really thick over a long time and clogs every thing up ,  so until you clean your carb good luck youll never get it to start .  after you  clean the carb or rebuid it  assuming the motors got good compression ,good spark and no internal damage . take the plug out and pour a little gas in the cylinder  directly on top of the piston. then put the spark plug back in and turn it over.  with good spark , good compression, and fuel in the cylinder you will get fire for sure no problem !  if it dont run then you got a DUD haha J.K.  it will have no choice but to run .  FUEL , FIRE, AIR, COMPRESSION .

Answer 3

you give it running shoes

Answer 4

If you can find a shop manual for your particular engine. that would be your best bet. I've been an auto mech. for many years, but outboards are a different animal.

Answer 5

You need compression, spark and gas. The first two are the easiest to verify. Poor compression may not be worth tackling. Bad spark is either the coils or points. If it's a mainstream make like Evinrude, Johnson or Merc, you should be able to find parts fir this easily enough. However, the carb is most likely gummed up and should be dismantled. Rebuild kits are available for most old carbs. Use only the parts you absolutely need as the quality is not as good as the original parts. Once it is running, look into replacing the water pump impeller, cheap and easy, so the old timer runs cool.