Macerating Toilet Blog Dept: Having Trouble Starting Your Boat Engine?

Great Tips For Fixing Your Engine Issues

Raritan Engineering Company your macerating toilet experts would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding how to fix your boat engine issues.

Your macerating toilet specialists talk about how you go to start the outboard and it won’t. This article is not a mechanics’ guide, just a simple troubleshooting guide of the easy things to check that account for about 95% of the problems that have been had with an outboard. In fact, only one of the things to check even requires a tool (and that is just a small flat-blade screwdriver); that screwdriver and a roll of tape are all you need for any of the simple solutions and jury-rigs presented here.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as looking forward to getting out on the water only to arrive at the marina to find your engine won’t start. As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to keep cranking the ignition or you’ll end up draining your batteries and compounding the situation. 

Problem #1: Gas tank on “E.”
Solution #1: Fill ‘er up!

Problem #2: Gas tank air vent is closed.
Solution #2: Double check that the tank is properly ventilated by opening all vents.

Problem #3: Kinked or pinched fuel lines.
Solution #3: Ensure all fuel lines are free of obstruction and replace any that are damaged or frayed.

Problem #4: Water and dirt has infiltrated the fuel system.
Solution #4: Water will sit under the fuel in a distinctly-defined layer—if you see this separation drain the water and change the filter. If a significant amount of dirt or sediment has found its way into your tank, you might need to flush the system and re-fuel.

Find your marine toilet of choice here with us at Raritan Engineering, your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.

Problem #5: Clogged-up fuel filter.
Solution #5: Check filters for any obstruction or damage and remove any build up or replace if necessary.

Problem #6: Motor isn’t choked to start.
Solution #6: Ensure you follow the proper pre-ignition protocol for your specific motor—consult the engine manual if you are unfamiliar with the starting sequence.

Problem #7: Unprimed engine.
Solution #7: Similar to #6 above, ensure that your engine is properly prepped. 

Problem #8: Incorrect carburetor adjustments.
Solution #8: If the carburetor adjustments are too lean there will not be an adequate amount of fuel in order to start the engine. Re-adjust the settings and attempt to restart the engine. 

Problem #9: Motor timing and synchronization out of balance.
Solution #9: Unless you’re a seasoned mechanic, your best bet might be to call in a professional—there might be a damaged flywheel that needs replacing or other internal damage that can be quickly replaced.

Problem #10: Manual choke linkage is bent or damaged or auto choke is out of adjustment.
Solution #10: If there is only a slight bend or dent, you might be able to readjust it yourself with a pair of pliers or hammer—but if there is significant structural damage the part will have to be replaced in full. 

Problem #11: Faulty spark plugs.
Solution #11: If your spark plugs are improperly gapped, dirty, or damaged you’ll have a hard time getting your engine to turn over. Double-check your spark plugs and adjust or replace as needed.

In conclusion, if the motor won’t start, don’t just keep pulling and pulling or wearing the battery down. Systematically think about what the problem is most likely to be and check those items first. Seriously, the vast majority of outboard problems are things that are pretty simple to overcome.

Teenager Amazingly Survives 49 Days At Sea In A Fishing Hut

A 18-year-old Indonesian boy has been rescued after spending 49 days adrift at sea in a fishing hut.

Aldi Novel Adilang was discovered by a Panamanian-flagged ship as he floated around 125km off the coast of Guam in a small fishing hut called a rompong, where he had been employed as a lamp-keeper.

A rompong is a small wooden fish trap, on which Adilang had worked since the aged of 16, according to his father. His job was to light the lamps that attract fish to the small vessel. However, it has no engine and no rudder, so once adrift, he was at the mercy of the sea.

During his time at sea, he tried to catch the attention of ships that he saw, but he failed to signal them successfully, which became disheartening.

Credit: Indonesian Consulate Osaka

Fajar Firdaus, an Indonesian diplomat from the country's consulate in Osaka, Japan, told The Jakarta Post: "[He] said he had been scared and often cried while adrift,

They picked him up and, acting on orders from the coastguard of Guam, took him to Japan, where he arrived on 6 September. He was given special permission to enter Japan 'due to disaster'.

His mother, Net Kahiking, said: "His boss told my husband that he went missing.

"So, we just surrendered to God and kept praying hard.

"He is now back at home and he will be 19 on September 30 - we're going to celebrate."

Choose your Raritan marine products here at Raritan Engineering, and see how we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

via 20 Reasons Why Your Boat's Engine Won't Start

via Outboard Won't Start 101

via Teenager Amazingly Survives 49 Days At Sea In A Fishing Hut