Can't pull start motor.

Help, I have a 2 year old Nissan 9.8 Hp outboard. it started right up yesterday, I laid it on its side overnight and today I cant pull start it.
That is the rope start is stuck like I'm trying to start it in gear even
though it's in neutral. It seems the linkage won't let me get in a pull start
position.

Re: Can't pull start motor.

Two possibilities come to mind:

It's possible that you have a liquid lock in the cylinders. This will happen if you lay it down on the wrong side. If so, take out the plugs, and cycle the rope starter gently to expel the oil. This will make a mess, so be prepared with a rag to collect the oil that is expelled. Then reinstall the plugs and start the motor, which will smoke a lot at first, then resume normal operation. Of course, re-check oil level. DO NOT OVERFILL.

Other possibility is that the neutral safety dog is engaged. You can verify this with the cowl off. Look at the cable-operated neutral latch in the recoil housing. If engaged, pop it up with a screwdriver. Then verify correct cable adjustment of the neutral safety.

Re: Can't pull start motor.

Mr Paul, I did what you said for the liquid lock and it worked!
Running very smooth and a lesson learned!
Thankyou very much! I owe you a cold one!

Thanks again it was a huge help!

Ken