1981 Yamaha (Mariner) 25hp frozen starter rope

louniel

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Oct 17, 2008
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I've got a 1981 Mariner (Yamaha-built) 25hp outboard with a manual start. Last duck season on two consecutive mornings the temperature was about 15 degrees F. When I attempted to start the motor on both mornings, the pull rope was absolutely frozen. Couldn't pull it at all! I ended up putting both feet on the outboard by the pull rope and leaned back as hard as possible. I was concerned the rope may break (or something else) and I'd go falling backwards into the boat! Both days I was able to eventually get it freed. It would then start with no problem. Just curious what's going on. This has never happened before and I'm sure that I've been out on cold mornings. Also, I didn't see any of the other numerous boats being launched those mornings have this problem. Does anyone know what might be causing this? Anything that could be done to prevent it from happening?

Thanks.
 
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