Why won't my 15hp outboard motor start?????

Question

I have just bought a 15hp evinrude. about 1980's model i think. I go to start the motor and it won't fire??? i have used the choke and put on some of acceleration but it just wont start up.

when i bought it off the guy he was able to start it but the fuel had probably been sitting for months and could be dirty? perhaps he ran some yuk fuel through my engine and it has choked up?

any idea's??

any help or tips of what to do next would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Thanks in advance,

Dan

Answer 1

Check for spark and fuel in the cylinder. If you have both it's simply a matter of getting it fired up. Try a bit of starting fluid. If you don't have spark, change the plug and recheck. If you don't have fuel it's probably the fuel pump on the side of the engine.You can buy a rebuild kit consisting of gaskets and the diaphram. Either way it should be a cheap fix. If the previous owner started it in your presense I would imagine it's just a matter of figuring out how this particular engine likes to be started.

Answer 2

Could be a clogged carb...also the carb diaphram and fuel hoses won't like ethanol fuel.

BUT GET THIS>>>>>>

Is it possible the safety kill botton/circuit is open?  Mine has a clip around the button and if the clip is not on(closing the circuit)...it won't start.

Answer 3

i bought a used motor from 1986 and had trouble starting it. the rubber fuel line was so old it cracked and was letting in air. after i put on a new fuel line it started right up. check your fuel line for cracks.

Answer 4

First things first. You need these three things in order for the engine to run and you should check them then go from there.

Spark. If you are getting spark that rules out the kill circuit. Granted you need the spark at the right time but lets cross that bridge when we get there.

Fuel. squeeze your fuel bulb and remember to vent your tank.

          Squirt a little in carb to see if it picks up.

Compression. If the previous owner started it with you there then that usually means you have compression so i wouldnt worry about that.

I am leanin more towards spark.