outboard engine problem

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I was setting up our dinghy yesterday for the Desolation Sound trip and when I went to pull the outboard starter cord it would not budge but more then an inch or two. This is a 1 year old 4 stroke, 4 hp Tohatsu that when I last used it the pull cord worked properly and the engine ran well. I have the stop cord inserted, I've played with the forward, reverse, neutral lever when trying to pull the cord but the start cord just does not move. Has anyone experienced this before or have any advice to get me in the right direction so we can depart Anacortes with our dinghy ready for exploring?

Appreciate any and all help,

Jim

 

[Levitation]

Pull plug and see if hydro lock
Or trun prop by hand and see if engine locked up versus a jam in the recoil

 

[wefings]

Look under the hood and see if there is a compression release mechanisim that is stuck . Its by the flywheel . There would be a cable involved .
Marc

 

[TonyM]

Hi Jim,
How was the engine Stored?
If the problem turns out to be a hydro-lock, check the owners manual for the the proper position to store the engine.
My Honda has specific positions to store it to prevent leaks and Hydraulic Lock

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Thanks for the replies. I did store the engine upright however when we came across country she was put on her steering arm side and raised as much as I could in the bed of our truck...per the owners manual. The prop turns ok, thanks Denny however when I unscrewed the spark plug I had oil come out, apparently I did not store it high enough. Am I screwed? or is there a cure?

Thanks for all your help,

Jim F

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I'm draining the oil from the spark plug hole and the cord is now free. I've plugged the cord several times to pressure as much oil as I can from the cylinder. I'll replace the spark plug, add oil that was lost and hopefully I'll be good to go. Does anyone have any other suggestions or advice and or am I on the right track? Thanks Tony, Marc and Denny....you've helped a great deal.

Jim F

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I meant pulled not plugged....sorry....in my prior post.

 

[mspaugy]

I think you should be okay. I had the same thing happen with a small honda four stroke that I used on different boats. It burned a little oil after I got it running but was fine after that. I ended up putting a bracket in my truck that I mounted the outboard to for travel that slipped in the hole in the corner of the of the bed. So my out board was upright when not on the boat for whatever reason.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Good news, after cleaning everything off and reinstalling the spark plug the engine started after a couple of pulls. Thanks for the truck mounting tip......now it's time to go boating.

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

Jim,
Good to hear you solved the problem. You did exactly as I was going to suggest until I saw you did it. Have fun and let me know your experience with following seas and the Hurley. I am waiting for your overall opinion before I take the plunge.