Outboard motors are a great option for many boats. They’re easy to repair, they can be moved between boats with ease and they can be upgraded in a short amount of time. But like all motors, they have their fair share of issues. These problems can be a simple fix or you could be in for a more complicated repair. We’ve listed a few common problems that afflict outboard motors.
Engine Won’t Start
Turned the key and nothing happens? That’s the worst. If the engine isn’t starting, there are a few different possibilities as to why. Maybe your battery is dead or your spark plugs are wet and not igniting. It could possibly be your fuel supply, your ignition isn’t working or maybe the starter itself. Most trained technicians can tell you in a matter of minutes what the issue is based off of the noises your engine is or isn’t making.
Overheating
This is a common problem for outboard boat motors. You could potentially be low on oil or coolant, if your engine is liquid cooled. Most of the time there is something preventing water from flowing through the water intake. Outboard motors require water flowing past them at all times to keep it cool or issues will arise.
Propeller Problems
Propellers can be an absolute pain from getting stuck in the weeds or fishing line and hitting rocks or logs. Sometimes they just stop turning for no apparent reason. If your propeller is having an issue, it can cause your engine to vibrate violently. This means your prop could be damaged or loose. Other an obvious physical damage, major failures of propeller construction are difficult to fix on your own unless you are trained to do so. This is when you call us. Just do it, I promise it’s less of a headache.
Loss of Power and Sputtering
If your engine is sputtering, it will rob you of your engine power. If your engine surges and dies or sputters and spurts, you most likely have a problem with the fuel delivery system or a compression issue. Hopefully, you’re just low on gas, but if not it could potentially be a clogged fuel line, filter or jet if your engine is carbureted. If it turns out not to be a compression problem, you may need new piston rings or the issue could be something more serious.
Sudden Death
Sometimes engines just die and it’s not clear why. The best case scenario is that you’re simply out of gas or someone hit the kill switch on accident. Worst case would be your engine severely overheating, which caused it to seize up.
Outboard motor problems will unfortunately occur at least once in your time as a boat owner. If you ever have an issue with your outboard motor or any boat related problem, give Longshore Boats a call to schedule an appointment with our certified technicians or go complete a service request on our website. We service Yamaha, Mercury, MerCruiser and Volvo engines. Our team of talented technicians will get your back on the Charleston waterways in no time!
