Nissan 5 hp won't start

[gordon_143@yahoo.com]

I bought this used motor about 6 weeks ago. My first. The ex-owner had it drained. Tried starting it for the first time yesterday in my backyard. Because I will be transporting it in horizontal position, I put in only a few ounces of gas and tried to start it. It didn't start. I put in about a pint of gas and got it to start. I only let it run for about 3 seconds because it didn't have any cooling water. Got it started again, ran it for a few seconds and shut it off. OK! I thought. So, transported it in the trunk of my car to the river and mounted it on my folding porta-bote. Couldn't get motor to start on the river. Hauled it back home and tried starting it again. No luck. No sound of gas igniting. Removed spark plug and let it sit overnight in vertical (running) position. Tried starting it today without any success. I didn't hear any sound of ignition at all. I've checked that: fuel is flowing to the carb, plug has sparks, plug is wet, fuel/oil mix is about 40:1. I've cleaned the plug with sand paper. It didn't help. The plug is in good condition. I don't know what else to try. Please help.

 

[Bear]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Do you have the Owner's Manual?<br />Don't your model. Try this link (Tohatsu=Nissan=Tohatsu):<br /><br /> http://www.tohatsu.com/tech_info/own_man_pdf's/5b_bs.pdf <br />You need Acrobat Reader.<br /><br />Follow the instructions. (If that is your model or similar.)<br /><br />Don't start it witout water level above impeller housing. It will ruin your impeller in seconds or shorten its life a lot.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[gordon_143@yahoo.com]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Dear Bear: Thank you very much for your help. I got the owner's manual and found that my starting procedure did not vary from the manual's. I could not start (about a dozen pulls) the engine by following the manual's instructions. I added more gas to the tank (it's now 1/4 full), opened the choke (pushed all the way in), and turned the throttle wide open. After airing it out for about 20 minutes, I could not get the engine to start after 5 pulls with the choke closed (pulled choke knob out) and the throttle opened to the mark as instructed by the manual. After I've opened the choke wide and opened up the throttle more, I got the engine to start after a couple of pulls. This time I got the bucket of water ready. I ran the engine for about 5 minutes. The engine could be started again easily. <br /><br />I put the motor in a horizontal position to simulate transport in the trunk of my car (fuel did not leak out). After I let the engine cool for about an hour, I could not get it to start with the choke knob pulled out (closed - per manual's procedure). Got it to start only with the choke open. <br /><br />I will let the engine cool overnight in horizontal position and try to start it again tomorrow per the manual's procedure. Does transporting the motor in a horizontal position with fuel in the tank hurt any thing? Is it normal to see some oil in the bucket of water after running the engine? Thanks for any advise.

 

[Bear]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Hi Gordon!<br /><br />You pull the choke knob OUT when the engine is cold. When it starts you push the choke knob all the way IN. Maybe you have to wait a few seconds before you push it in.<br />If the engine is warm you don't use the choke at all. <br /><br />"Does transporting the motor in a horizontal position with fuel in the tank hurt any thing?"<br />Nope.<br /><br />"Is it normal to see some oil in the bucket of water after running the engine?"<br />Yes. It is from the fuel.<br /><br />Happy boating

 

[Leeobiwan]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Gordan, <br /> If all else fails, buy some starter spray and spray this directly into the carberator with the filter off. not too much though, then try pull starting immediately. I carry a can always. i would leave the choke off for this, you shouldn't need it with the spray. good luck!

 

[Bear]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

There is NO LUBE in start spray. WD-40 is much better. To use the choke is cheaper. It is real handy too. You don't have to look for it. It is where you left it.

 

[Leeobiwan]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Gordan,<br /><br /> While start spray has NO LUBE in it, it will save your arm, and you can find it at your local Wal-Mart. Happy pulling without it!<br /><br /> Leobiwan

 

[Leeobiwan]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

And oh yeah, the choke is cheaper .....<br />By about 99 cents.

 

[gordon_143@yahoo.com]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Thank you all for your input. I've tried for several days without success to start the cold engine with the choke knob pulled out. The motor starts easily with the choke open. Perhabs I'll have to pull the choke knob out when the weather gets really cold.?

 

[Backlash]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Hey Gordon,<br />As long as it starts, what difference does it make if the choke is open or closed......since you now know how to get it started, start it up and enjoy the ride. <br />Backlash

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Nissan 5 hp won't start

Your mix might be too rich. Check your manual -- 50:1 might be more likely. And start with absolutely fresh fuel and oil (especially the former).