18 hp Tohatsu motor not starting

[stven46]

I have a 1997 18 hp Tohatsu motor I've had for a while that always starts and runs great. I took it home yesterday after a crabbing/ salmon trip trip. I attempted to start it to flush the system of salt water. I started it (throttle was up a bit too high though, but brought it quickly back down) it ran for about 10 seconds and then quit. I couldn't get it started after that. Did I blow the engine? I hope not. Gas level was fine. Any other ideas? What should I try?

 

[Jon Boat Jim]

Check the plugs for fouling, clean if needed, and try to start it. Make sure that the gas line is "primed" and that the tank is vented.
If it doesn't start, get some of the aerosol starting fluid that has a lubricant in it. Put a squirt or two in the carb and try it again.

I know a lot of readers will not like the idea of squirting starting fluid in a two cycle engine. However, it may be the BEST way to get it going, if used in moderate amounts. There are starting fluids sprays that contain a lubricant. If you can't find one, spray a little winterizing oil in the cylinders first, turn it over a few times and then spray the starting fluid and try to restart.

 

[stven46]

Thank you. I will try that. Anyone else had a different ideas I can try? Any thoughts on the seafoam treatment?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Check for fire on the plugs and compression. If those are fine then you have the fuel system as the culprit.

 

[Sea Rider]

Check if all electric ignition components grounds are making good and clean contact onto powerhead. Check if with spark on both cylinders.

Happy Boating

 

[stven46]

Spare me the obvious answer. I want to save money. That's why I am asking.....duh Anyone want to help me?

 

[stven46]

Jon Boat Jim, Sea Rider. Thanks for the ideas. I will look into them.

 

[Sea Rider]

Spare me the obvious answer. I want to save money. That's why I am asking.

At least no one has recommended to buy a service manual or to send engine to a repair shop. Follow what's already posted and you should have a good troubleshooting start, skip starting fluid as you can always squirt with an injection small dosis of mixed fuel from tank direct into cylinders.

Happy Boating

 

[stven46]

Thanks man! I will try them tonight.

 

[pvanv]

I have a 1997 18 hp Tohatsu motor I've had for a while that always starts and runs great. I took it home yesterday after a crabbing/ salmon trip trip. I attempted to start it to flush the system of salt water. I started it (throttle was up a bit too high though, but brought it quickly back down) it ran for about 10 seconds and then quit. I couldn't get it started after that. Did I blow the engine? I hope not. Gas level was fine. Any other ideas? What should I try?

OK, so we don't have a model to go by, and precious few symptoms, aside from "no start" after it was running for a few seconds.

Could be almost anything, from fuel to mechanical, to ignition. At this point, the field mechanic needs to diagnose instead of guess. The vast majority of "running poorly" issues are fuel-related... but since yours was running OK and stalled, I would start with the very-very basics... Is there any spark? Are the plugs wet or dry? If no spark (and probable wet plugs), did the stop clip fall out (or did the switch fail?)... If there is spark, and the plugs are dry, did the float valve stick shut? Rule out one system at a time, and you will find a problem. Fix the problem, and you should be running again. We are happy to help, but our magic wands don't work through posts on the board. Our clairvoyance is also limited.

 

[Sea Rider]

On oldies is a must check fuel hose connector o'rings and fuel pump diaphragm condition, if severly dried up, cracked, hardened will give fuel related issues. As no connectors o'rings are available as spares, will need to try out a new fuel hose or remove original o'rings, go to a car store and buy same diam/size fuel o'rings, put them back in and test engine.

If still with issues, troubleshoot as forum suggested.

Happy Boating

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Spare me the obvious answer. I want to save money. That's why I am asking.....duh Anyone want to help me?

Seriously?