New boater with trouble starting engine

[logjammin]

Please accept my strong apologies about asking what must be an ignorant, newbie question.

I've moved to a home at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala that is boat access only, and purchased a used boat for $4,000. Beginning 2-3 weeks ago, the Mercury throttle/control (?) would sometimes make beeping noises as I put the key in the ignition. Sometimes I'd turn the key and it wouldn't even start - but always, with some minor "fiddling," it would start within 15-20 seconds.

As the weeks have gone on, it's gotten more and more troublesome.

Today, the boat started, but as I slowly moved maybe 30 yards from my dock, the engine turned off. I took the following video of me trying to start the engine, which it successfully did after two minutes:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hz5uZ7deDMVbvTKA7

I'm in a remote part of the lake and the mechanics here aren't of the greatest quality. The boat is my only means of getting around (the nearest road is two miles away) and I would greatly appreciate if anyone can tell me what might be going on ... perhaps the engine is just "cold" and needs to warm up? Might this be some sort of problem with a filter, or oil? I'm extremely new to boating and my knowledge level is essentially zero.

 

[ThomW]

We are going to need to know the year and model of your motor--serial number? The beeping is the motors alarm, and depending on the number of beeps and duration, we may be able to tell you what it is telling you is wrong with the motor.

 

[QBhoy]

I’d hazard a guess that’s a low 2 stroke oil alarm, if she is a 2 stroke.

 

[logjammin]

Thank you both for helping a baby out.

It's a Mercury ECM0716 8M0080188, 115 HP 1.7L EFI 4 Stroke motor, made 12-22-2014. I unfortunately don't have the serial number yet.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I knew exactly none of that information above, and had to go to the dock to check it all out. I'm that new and clueless about what I'm doing. On the plus side, I DO know the difference between 2 and 4 stroke, and I am not directly adding oil to the gas - go me!

While I was out there, I gave the motor another try.... this time it started right up, with the "all good" single beep and no problems whatsoever. I'm confused as to why so often everything is fine, but sometimes for reasons I don't at all understand, it won't start up.

 

[merc850]

All I can say for now is check the battery voltage when starting, it should be 10-12v; also the cables to battery should be clean and tight with no corrosion.

 

[QBhoy]

Ok. If you’re sure it’s a 4 stroke…it could be a number of things perhaps. Like temperature, low oil or a host of other things. It may also have a fuel water separating pre filter with an alarm to indicate the detection of water in the lower bowl. My 2016 merc certainly does. I’d have a check or look at that first off. As well as voltage too. It could also be in a limp mode from a previous fault too. But I’d start at looking at oil level and if it has a water separating filter. If she does…look to see if the filter has an electrical connection on it. Most well set up later mercs like this, should have.

 

[racerone]

Take cowling off the motor.----Post pictures or short video of the motor.

 

[ThomW]

If you went back and tried it, and got one beep, that is the normal start up, which is good. But the problem will likely occur again. As folks are saying, it could be several issues. Listening to the video you posted, it seems like a pretty continuous beep. That can mean low oil, low oil pressure, a high temp issue, or other things. First, I would check you ground wire at battery and motor. Make sure the are clean and well connected. A loose wire could cause the problem to occur sporadically. Also, pull the dipstick and check your oil level. Is your motor pumping water out of the tell tale hole (small hole on back of the engine) while running ?

 

[racerone]

The buzzer itself could be defective.-----Hurry and get your local shop to help you.

 

[logjammin]

Just a quick wrap up - I tested the battery today and it was perfect. Multimeter readings were exactly as they should be and corrosion was nonexistent.

Also I took the boat on a couple trips with no problems. Like ThomW said, it will likely occur again - it already has several times, sporadically (maybe 1 out of 8 trips).

It sounds like it could be many things, and - now that I've verified the battery is good - my next steps are to learn some basic Boating 101 and learn what the fluids and filters in engine are. I know that sounds extremely "duh" but I really needed this kick in the pants from you guys to get me to learn more about my boat. This isn't a skateboard... if you're going to be a boater, you really have to know the basics of what you're operating.

Really appreciate everyone's help, and the motivation you gave me to finally get me to learn about my new toy.

 

[QBhoy]

Just a quick wrap up - I tested the battery today and it was perfect. Multimeter readings were exactly as they should be and corrosion was nonexistent.

Also I took the boat on a couple trips with no problems. Like ThomW said, it will likely occur again - it already has several times, sporadically (maybe 1 out of 8 trips).

It sounds like it could be many things, and - now that I've verified the battery is good - my next steps are to learn some basic Boating 101 and learn what the fluids and filters in engine are. I know that sounds extremely "duh" but I really needed this kick in the pants from you guys to get me to learn more about my boat. This isn't a skateboard... if you're going to be a boater, you really have to know the basics of what you're operating.

Really appreciate everyone's help, and the motivation you gave me to finally get me to learn about my new toy.

Have a look at that fuel filter and if that has a water sensor on it too.

 

[racerone]

Pictures of this motor ?

 

[logjammin]

Have a look at that fuel filter and if that has a water sensor on it too.

Definitely will do, this is high on my list of suspects. Over this weekend I'll be learning how the sensors look/work, right now I'm not yet sure exactly what I'd be looking for.

 

[logjammin]

Pictures of this motor ?

Ha, I didn't post the pictures before because I felt like I was leeching too much help already, but I'm happy to do so since asked!: