How bad did I screw up?

[jpfaender]

I recently purchased my first boat. It has a Merc 120 outboard on it that is 2 stroke. I had a serious brain fart and put 12 gallons of gas only in the tank, no 2 cycle oil mixed in with it. I put the boat in the water and tried to start it a few times. It tried to start but wouldn't turn over all the way. How badly have I damaged my engine? Do I need to do anything with the engine? Can I just pour some 2 cycle engine oil into the tank now and be ok? Sorry for the novice level questions, I just wanna know how badly I screwed up...thanks for the help ahead of time!

[badger111]

I wouldn't worry too much as you didn't run it. My father has a Merc 80 that he ran for around an hour on a local river before he realised that he hadn't oiled the juice! He simply added some two cycle oil to the tank and got away with it.

[badkins50]

You didn't run it so you should be fine. Just added the oil now.

Now if you had gone the other way (adding oil to gas for a 4 stroke) I'd be concerned.

[jpfaender]

do you think the fact that it wouldn't start because of the "only gas" issue? or do I have another problem?

[sschefer]

You didn't run it so you should be fine. Just added the oil now.

Now if you had gone the other way (adding oil to gas for a 4 stroke) I'd be concerned.

Just a side comment on the 4 stroke thing. I know lot of situations where company's run everything they have on mixed gas. Avoids having to mark gas cans and risking someone putting unixed gas in a two stroke..

[marc c]

do you think the fact that it wouldn't start because of the "only gas" issue? or do I have another problem?

Not having oil in the gas would not have prevented it from starting. You have another issue.

As long as it didn't start you caused no damage.

Make sure you add the right amount of oil and shake the boat up good.

If the tank was bone dry before you filled it I'd be concerned about the straight gas in the fuel lines.

[jpfaender]

I do have a primer bulb that I have to pump before I start the engine. There was about a 1/4 of a tank in it when I put the gas in. Would that mean that I have gas in the fuel lines? if so, how screwed am I?

[Chris1956]

Hey JP, Mix in the oil, shake up the tank and remove the fuel line. Now stick a screwdriver in the fuel connector and pump the primer until mixed gas comes out. Don't spray your self in the face.

If that motor won't turn over, you have some other problem. You might post year of the motor to help us out. I am not familar with a 120HP Merc Outboard. Is it ancient?

[jpfaender]

Hey JP, Mix in the oil, shake up the tank and remove the fuel line. Now stick a screwdriver in the fuel connector and pump the primer until mixed gas comes out. Don't spray your self in the face.

If that motor won't turn over, you have some other problem. You might post year of the motor to help us out. I am not familar with a 120HP Merc Outboard. Is it ancient?

Its a 1992 Maxum 1900XR boat. I may have been wrong about the engine, it may be a 115HP but it is a 1992. I have only had this boat for about 2 weeks and yesterday was the first day I tried to fuel and take out. This is my first boat and I am very novice when it comes to doing repairs and such. Even something as simple as what you have described above. I do appreciate all your help though...you guys are awesome!

[ezmobee]

Are you sure it isn't a Force (common on Maxums)

[marc c]

That motor might have oil injection. Does it have an oil tank somewhere?

Post the serial number.

[jpfaender]

Are you sure it isn't a Force (common on Maxums)

You are correct, it is a Force. Sorry for the confusion...I am not near the boat or my paperwork right now so I don't know the Serial Number, sorry!

[DADDYRABBIT1]

I agree with everone else you should be fine as log as you add oil like instructed.

Well as to the reason it didn't turn over, first lets eliminate all the simple reasons:

Is the battery dead or not charged enough?
When was the last time it was started and running?

[jpfaender]

I agree with everone else you should be fine as log as you add oil like instructed.

Well as to the reason it didn't turn over, first lets eliminate all the simple reasons:

Is the battery dead or not charged enough?
When was the last time it was started and running?

The last time it was started and ran for a few minutes was about 2 1/2 weeks ago when I bought it. Even then, he had to charge it for a little while before we started it up.

When I try to start it, it turns but not all the way over. It just keeps trying but won't turn over all the way.

[j_martin]

Definition time.
1. Turn over means the engine goes round and round on the starter motor.
2. Not quite turn over would be the starter motor engages, but for some reason the engine only turns a partial turn then locks up.
3. Hit means one or more cylinders fires at least once.
4. Start means it keeps firing on at least a few cylinders and runs without the starter motor.

Now down to basics. I'm guessing because I just get a clue here and there about what is going on at yer place. One thing certain is that you need to identify your engine and obtain operating instructions for it before you destroy it.

One basic. The ignition is usually supplied by a separate system than the battery/lights/cranking system. Because of that, most modern outboards will not start unless the cranking speed is above a minimum. I gather the battery is weak, and maybe the charging system doesn't work. That sets you up for this trouble.

Another basic is that each engine will have a certain procedure for starting. Most 2 cycle engines need to be dripping rich to start, but there's a fine line between that and flooding. Some are more sensitive than others. Some use a choke valve on the carbs, and some use an "enricher" valve that just dumps liquid fuel in behind the carbs. Each has it's own procedure, modified by the make, model, age of the engine, and further by the time of the month, moon stage, water temp, air temp, operator temp..... well you get the idea.

Most engines of that vintage have oil injection, where TCW II or better two cycle oil is put into a separate tank, and a pump on the engine mixes the oil and gas. In that case, you put plain gas in the gas tank. Some of those engines have had the oil injection removed for various reasons, and those need oil in the gas at 50:1 You need to examine your engine, preferably with an owner's manual in your hand, and determine the state of these affairs before you attempt to run it.

On first start, you need to be aware of water flow, engine misses or fuel starvation, any alarms, etc. Being familiar with the engine is very important, thus the owner's manual.

On the light side, after a few times, things get pretty automatic to you, and it's not really a big deal. Then you're set up for your first SHT, like forgetting the transom drain plug.

hope it helps
john

[ajgraz]

The last time it was started and ran for a few minutes was about 2 1/2 weeks ago when I bought it. Even then, he had to charge it for a little while before we started it up.

When I try to start it, it turns but not all the way over. It just keeps trying but won't turn over all the way.

First guess: dying battery.

Have you got a battery charger of any kind? Try this:
1) Remove all connections to the battery. Don't need any possible electrical problems in boat wiring interfering with this test.
2) Pop the cell caps and check water level; fill each cell to about 1/8" to 1/4" below the notched fill tubes with distilled (and ONLY distilled) water. Replace caps. Careful, that's sulfuric acid in there! If the water level is way low, it may be that it's too late to save the battery (charging boils of water, it has to be replaced regularly).
3) Charge it overnight about 10 amps (or a full 24 hours at 2-5 amps, better), disconnect charger, wait a minute or two, get a voltage reading on battery with a meter. If that reading is below about 12.5-12.6v, the battery won't take a charge, it's dead.
4) Let the battery sit undisturbed, unconnected to anything, for another 24 hours. Get another voltage reading. If that reading is below about 12.4-12.5v, the battery is dying.
5) Even if the second reading is still OK, the battery may still be on its last leg. After the charge-and-sit routine, take it to an auto parts store and have them load-test it. That'll tell you if the battery has any capacity left. Load test might cost a few bux, but they'll probably credit that to the cost of a new battery.

In my experience, private sale boats are, coincidentally, sold at right about the same time they need new batteries

[jpfaender]

First guess: dying battery.

Have you got a battery charger of any kind? Try this:
1) Remove all connections to the battery. Don't need any possible electrical problems in boat wiring interfering with this test.
2) Pop the cell caps and check water level; fill each cell to about 1/8" to 1/4" below the notched fill tubes with distilled (and ONLY distilled) water. Replace caps. Careful, that's sulfuric acid in there! If the water level is way low, it may be that it's too late to save the battery (charging boils of water, it has to be replaced regularly).
3) Charge it overnight about 10 amps (or a full 24 hours at 2-5 amps, better), disconnect charger, wait a minute or two, get a voltage reading on battery with a meter. If that reading is below about 12.5-12.6v, the battery won't take a charge, it's dead.
4) Let the battery sit undisturbed, unconnected to anything, for another 24 hours. Get another voltage reading. If that reading is below about 12.4-12.5v, the battery is dying.
5) Even if the second reading is still OK, the battery may still be on its last leg. After the charge-and-sit routine, take it to an auto parts store and have them load-test it. That'll tell you if the battery has any capacity left. Load test might cost a few bux, but they'll probably credit that to the cost of a new battery.

In my experience, private sale boats are, coincidentally, sold at right about the same time they need new batteries

The guy I bought the boat from told me the battery was brand new and he even gave me the receipt for the battery to prove it. So, I'm pretty sure the battery isn't on its last leg, probably just needs a little juice.

[ajgraz]

Hm, maybe there's something in the boat wiring draining the battery? Also, wouldn't be the first time a brand-new battery was sold dead.

Test it anyway. At least eliminate battery as your issue.

[jpfaender]

Hm, maybe there's something in the boat wiring draining the battery? Also, wouldn't be the first time a brand-new battery was sold dead.

Test it anyway. At least eliminate battery as your issue.

Since it is a new battery, would hooking it up to a charger for a little while before I take it out today help any? or does it need to sit for a full 12 hours or so to make any difference?

[bcsnare]

as the other guys said, put some distilled water in if it needs it and put a charge on it. I would put some muffs on it and try to fire it up in the drive way before dragging it to the ramp and finding out the battery is just done. If the battery is good and you hear the starter engaging but not turning the engine over, the brushes in the starter might be bad.

[Jacket4life]

Hi!

I understand some of your issues, and I know you want help or you wouldn't be here. I'm sure everyone is doing their best to help, but if you don't know, I'd take their advice!

Starting with the battery is logical, easy, and best of all, CHEAP! That's something you are about to find out is NOT common when dealing with a boat! If you look around here much, you'll find out that boat is an acronym for Busted Out Another Thousand!

Really, you need to know what the deal is with the battery before you do anything else. Boats do not use regular automotive batteries, they use 'Deep Cycle' 12V batteries. One of the differences is the way they need to be charged. They require slow, steady, 'trickle' charges. You need a charger that puts out 2 amps or so, and leave it on the battery for 12 hrs. minimum. Then you need to be able to check the voltage like ajgraz reccommended, AND I wouldn't take the boat away from shore/trailer until I knew whether or not the battery was being charged when the motor is running. You can do this by checking the battery with a volt meter while the engine is running, or by checking the charging system while it's running. On my Mercury, the voltage at the battery while the motor is running and charging is around 16.5 volts.

After you ascertain where you are with the battery, you can proceed with trouble shooting everything else.

Funny story so you don't feel so bad. When I was a lot younger and got MY first boat, I had a similar issue. I charged the batt. for a whole day, nothing. Had no volt meter, so I pulled it off and took it to the store to buy a new one. They tested it and said it was good. I take it back, clicking and CLunk from the choke, but won't turn over. Take the cover off, starter engages but won't turn the motor over. Getting pissed, take the top cover off thinking I have to pull the starter and replace it (which, if you don't know, starters for boat motors are RIDICULOUSLY high!) When I get the top cover of: HUGE dirt dobber nests ALL OVER the fywheel and nosecone of the starter. Clean it all up, motor fires right up! LOL.

Welcome to the world of boating, hope you have as much fun as I have!

Best of luck.

[ezmobee]

Really, you need to know what the deal is with the battery before you do anything else. Boats do not use regular automotive batteries, they use 'Deep Cycle' 12V batteries.

He won't need a deep cycle just to start an outboard. I'd recommend a marine starting battery.

[sschefer]

He won't need a deep cycle just to start an outboard. I'd recommend a marine starting battery.

yup, you will ruin a deep cycle if you use it for starting. But there are combo start/deep cycle batteries made specifically for Marine applications.

[maxum_man]

I have a 1992 120 hp Force on a maxum 2100 and it is oil injected! You might want to look around under the "hood" and check to see if you have an oil reservoir...or go through the manual as previously stated.

Batteries are cheap! $68.00 at Wally World for a decent starting battery.

[backpain]

If he gave you the reciept for the new battery, take it to the store he bought it from and get a new one or at least get it tested. It is an easy and free first step.