Flooded boat engine: how to restart it?
At the heart of a sea trip, the unexpected happens: your drowned boat engine stubbornly refuses to start. Frustration sets in, overshadowing the sound of waves crashing against the hull. This nautical nightmare, as common as it may be, is not inevitable. There is a wide range of technical solutions to revive the means of propulsion of your boat. But how do you deal with a drowning outboard motor and above all, how do you get it running again? Through this detailed guide, we will explain why your boat engine has drowned, how to recognize a drowning outboard motor, the actions to take immediately to avoid aggravating the situation and finally the step-by-step procedure to restart your engine. We will conclude by giving you practical tips to avoid flooding your boat engine in the future. So, ready to fix your flooded boat engine?
Contents of the page
Understand what a flooded boat engine means
A drowned boat engine is not an engine that has been submerged in water. The term "drowned" refers to a situation where engine spark plugs are flooded with fuel, making it impossible to start. This is usually the result of repeated unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, resulting in a fuel accumulation.
Signs of a Drowned Boat Engine
There are several sound and behavior signs that indicate that a boat engine is flooded. These signs include the engine making a coughing noise when trying to start, the strong smell of gasoline and engine inability to start despite several attempts.
Drowning outboard motor: immediate actions to take
When you suspect your engine is flooded, the first thing to do is stop the fuel supply. This means you have to stop trying to start the engine, allowing excess fuel to evaporate.
Then you will have to ventilate the engine to remove excess fuel. This can be accomplished by removing the spark plugs and letting the engine air out. During this time, avoid creating sparks or flames near the engine, as gasoline is highly flammable.
Steps to restart a flooded boat engine
- Understand the problem : The first step is to understand what a flooded boat engine means. When an engine is flooded, it means there is too much fuel in the cylinders. This may be due to improper carburetor adjustment or repeated unsuccessful starting attempts.
- Stop fuel supply : The first action to take is to stop the fuel supply. To do this, stop trying to start the engine (stop operating the starter or primer bulb). You can also shut off the fuel using the appropriate switch on your engine.
- Remove the hood : Next, remove the engine cover. Look for a knob or handle on the back of the hood, usually located on top or beside the hood.
- Remove spark plug wires : Use a spanner to unscrew and remove the spark plug wires (if necessary). Be careful not to damage the wires when removing them.
- Remove spark plugs completely : Once the spark plug wires are removed, use the same wrench to completely remove the spark plugs.
- Dry out the candles : Spark plugs can be flooded with fuel when the engine is flooded, preventing the spark needed for ignition. You can dry them out by carefully wiping them with a clean cloth and leaving them to air dry for a few minutes.
- Clean spark plug slots : After removing the spark plugs, be sure to clean their location. Remove any debris, salt, or any other substance that could interfere with proper engine operation.
- Ventilate the engine : Let the engine air out to allow excess fuel to evaporate.
- Let the engine rest : Give the engine time to rest and dry out. This gives excess fuel time to evaporate. The time needed varies depending on the amount of fuel present, but a break of 15 to 20 minutes is usually sufficient.
- Turn the engine manually : Without starting the engine, crank it manually to expel any excess fuel that may still be present.
- Refit the spark plugs and spark plug wires : Once the engine is dry, put the spark plugs back in place. Make sure they are tight, then reconnect the spark plug wires.
- Replace the hood : Reposition the engine cover and make sure it is secure.
- Restart procedures : Try to start the engine (make sure the fuel supply is restored). If everything was done correctly, it should start without any problems.
If despite these steps, the engine still does not start, it may be completely flooded. In this case, let it air longer and continue to manually spin it to expel any remaining fuel.
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to flood the engine again. To do this you must avoid using the choke or pumping several times.
By following these steps, even the most novice should be able to fix a flooded boat engine problem. However, if despite your efforts, the problem persists, it is recommended to call a professional.
Common mistakes to avoid when starting a flooding outboard motor
When you face a drowned boat engine, the natural instinct may be to persevere and repeatedly try to start the engine. However, this will only make the problem worse. Insisting on starting the engine sends more fuel to the cylinders which can potentially flood the engine again.
It is also important to avoid using inappropriate starting methods. For example, a common technique used to start a flooded car engine is to squeeze the accelerator all the way in and turn the key. However, this method may not be effective for a drowning outboard motor, and could even cause damage.
How to stop dealing with a flooded boat engine
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid ending up with a flooded boat engine, there are certain precautions to take when starting the engine. For example, avoid pumping multiple times or using the choke for an extended period. These actions can lead to fuel flooding.
Regular maintenance is also crucial to avoid this problem. This includes the spark plug check to make sure they are in good condition, checking the fuel system and cleaning the carburettor (with an appropriate cleaning product such as that of FACOM).
When to Call a Professional for a Drowning Outboard Motor
Although many problems of drowning outboard motor can be resolved on your own, there are situations that require the intervention of a professional. For example, if the engine continues to flood despite your efforts to start it properly, it could indicate a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
Conclusion: no longer be afraid of a flooded boat engine
Facing a drowned boat engine can be frustrating, but understanding what's causing the problem and how to fix it can make all the difference. Remember, the key is to shut off the fuel supply, vent the engine, dry out the spark plugs, and restart the engine properly. Also, avoiding flooding the engine originally through good starting practice and regular maintenance can save you a lot of hassle in the future.
FAQ: My outboard motor is flooding, how do I start it?
One of the main signs of a flooded boat engine is the inability to start despite several attempts. You might also notice unusual noises when trying to start the engine.
The first thing to do is shut off the fuel supply and vent the engine to remove excess fuel. It is also important to dry out the spark plugs and let the engine rest before attempting to restart it.
Insisting on starting a flooded boat engine can make the problem worse. Indeed, this can send even more fuel to the cylinders, which risks flooding the engine again.
To avoid flooding your boat's engine, avoid repeatedly pumping or using the choke for an extended period when starting. Also be sure to do regular maintenance, such as changing the spark plugs and fuel filter.
If you've tried all the steps in this guide to restart your drowning outboard motor with no success, it's time to call a professional. A qualified technician can help identify and fix the more complex problem that could be causing the engine flooding.
Learn more about boat engines
Complete Guide: Fixing a Hot Boat Engine
