How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

[Ober51]

I hope I'm not asking this in the wrong place, but how does one compression test etc an outboard that needs a pull cord and lacks electric start? I've been reading extensively on installing a new pull cord (if I buy the motor I would buy a factory manual) but then it dawned on me that I should compression test it before I buy. I've also read to keep a 6 ft cord in the boat to wrap about the fly wheel( I think that's what I read) to work in emergency situations. Would that work here? Do I just do it repeatedly to get a compression reading?

Thanks, all.

 

[Monte1961]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

yes get a rope and wind and pull wind and pull wind and pull! post results!HINT: Pull all spark plugs first, it will help in this matter!

 

[Ober51]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

yes get a rope and wind and pull wind and pull wind and pull! post results!HINT: Pull all spark plugs first, it will help in this matter!

Thanks, Monte. I Googled what it looks like, should be interesting.

 

[Ober51]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

Also, what am I looking for in terms of compression? What are the numbers I should see?

 

[Rick.]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

My first motor was a 15 with no rewind. I did not know about the rope on the flywheel idea. I used a drill an a socket on the flywheel for compression test and later to start it. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[bayoucat58]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

Rick now that is some cool "hillbilly" innovation. i think i am going to hide me EMER. pull cord and start packing my cordless drill.... nice. thanks Cat

 

[bayoucat58]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

sweet..... i must start carrying a cordless drill and socket in my boat.

 

[Ober51]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

Great idea - I need to figure out what size socket, or just bring a bunch with me.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

3/4" for my 6 hp.

 

[Rick.]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

Well sometimes not knowing the correct way leads to new ideas I guess. But i seriously doubt I was the first to do that. It's not as easy as it sounds. I was using a corded drill, LOL. I don't have a 1/2 inch cordless. The setup has to go from a dive that fits in a 1/2 chuck to the flywheel socket size. As I remember I had an adapter or two in the drive line. Rick.

 

[bsmithbum]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

I have started MANY old 2 cycle engines that way and if my memory serves right they were all 3/4 nuts. I actually got better compression results due to RPM's being closer to the same over pulling.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

I don't think my cordless drill will turn over more than a 6 hp. It does well on my 3 hp, but that one is a 2 pull motor. The 6hp seems to need 2 or 3 pulls. I sure used the drill when I was bringing them back to life!

 

[watergecko]

Re: How to start/test a 1975 15 HP Seahorse without pull cord?

Had to do that emerg pull cord thing once on a little evinrude once. Kept hitting myself in the face with that darn knot.