Suzuki DF20A Hit Bottom, Now Won't Start

[gcraig]

My senior citizen mom called from the cottage today. She says she was backing in to the docking area and feels like she hit something. The motor stalled and won't start. The pin is still in place and the prop spins while in neutral. Throttle is in the low position (as required for starting) and the safety switch is in place.

I'm heading there in the morning to investigate. Any tips? Unfortunately she's no longer there for me to ask questions so I'm looking for ideas on what to try when I arrive. Trying to avoid having to remove it and take it to the marina for diagnosis/repair.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[robert graham]

If she struck something with the prop it may have stopped the motor so quickly that the woodruff key that holds the flywheel in position on the end of the crankshaft may have sheared off, causing the motor to be out of timing....removal of flywheel and replacement of that woodruff key would be the fix. Of course, when you get there try to start it before any repairs are made....check for fouled spark plug, etc.

 

[gcraig]

Embarrassed to say that in the end I don't think she hit anything at all. Somehow the safety shut-off cord got pulled off and was sitting on the bottom of the boat. I didn't even think to ask about that because we've been over it so many times. Sigh. Thanks anyway for the reply. Happy to have a crisis averted.