Starting Problems

[smitty3115]

My 2006 225 HO with 57 hours is getting progressively harder to start in the morning. It takes about 10-12 cranks on the starter before it kicks over and idles at about 650 RPM's. Once started, I'll have no more problems starting it all day, even if the engine has been shut down for 2 hours or more. Is this just a spark-plug issue, or could there be more involved. I want to have an idea before I contact my mechanic who is over an hour away in heavy traffic.

Smitty

[gcmarshall]

I'm no expert, but I know that whenever my engine (2006 60 ETEC) cuts out when idling or gives a problem starting it's always the plugs. I have to change my plugs about every 1 to 2 months, or about every 150 to 200 hours.

I just wish the engine would give more of a warning when spark plugs are needed. It sucks having to limp home on one engine due to a spark plug issue. (yeah, I do carry spares out with me, but when waves are splashing over the engines every couple of minutes I would rather do it back at shore)

You could at least take out the plugs, clean them with carburettor cleaner and a wire brush, and stick them back in to see if the engine starts. I find that this works for me for a few days, but I still end up having to replace the plugs.

although, I am thinking that the engine would cut out after if it has started if it stays idling for too long, which doesn't seem to be happening....at the very least, it is very easy to determine if the plugs are the problem just by changing them. (Don't forget to index them!)

[johnrude]

Sounds like a spark plug issue to me. You did not post a serial number. If it is the plugs there is a reason why they went so fast.

[smitty3115]

I've been using "Tom's Outboards" in Olympia WA. to service my Evinrude engines for several years and have yet to be disappointed in the results.
However, this time they set a new standard for excellence. My engine was getting very difficult to start and I naturally figured that it needed a change of sparkplugs.
I called a local respected dealer in South King County, and upon describing my dilemma was told to schedule it in for a checkup in 2-3 weeks with an anticipated minimal cost of $100.00 plus parts. NOT!!
So I decided to bite the bullet in fuel costs and tow it down to Olympia. I called Tom's Outboards Monday afternoon and was told "This is our busy time of year, but if you can get it down here tomorrow between 5 and 6, I'll check it out for ya and see what I can do".
Leaving work in Renton at 3:30, I was home, hooked to the boat and after enduring the rush hour traffic, in his parking lot at 5:15. To my dismay, I noted two large boats including one from the State Police in front of the bay doors and being actively worked on. To boot, there was another boat being checked out in the parking lot.
To make a long story shorter, I was almost immediately taken care of, my engine was plugged into a "laptop of death" for an analysis. The LOD made some noises, the lights blinked, a download commenced and in less than 3 minutes the technician "Dr. John", said "Lets give it a try now."
I barely touched the key and the engine fired up just like new. In short, I was on my way back to Kent before 6 PM with all the new computer upgrades now in my engine and the starting issue resolved. The cost? ABSOULUTELY NOTHING!
When I offered to pay the reply was don't worry about it, it didn't take me enough time to resolve your issue to warrant filling out a work sheet.

THAT IS AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE!!

If you are in the Seattle area and have any model of Evinrude of Johson engine I suggest you try "Tom's Outboards" in Olympia. He also handles Honda engines and will service EFI or Carbarated Yamaha's and Mercury's.

Smitty

[luc levesque]

yep I agree, change the plugs, mine went threw the same thing, and once the plugs were change, wham! gone like lightning.