How to Get an Old Outboard Running
- 1). Start with making yourself familiar with the old outboard engine. Find old manuals and literature on the outboard engine and its manufacturer. Check out used bookstores and boat shops for interesting resources, and use a computer and the Internet to find valuable information forums.
- 2). Find yourself a good place to work on the outboard engine where you won't have a problem making a mess. Set up a basic wood block stand with a hammer and nails so that the outboard stays upright while working on it. Vary the size of the stand depending on the engine you are working on.
- 3). Use a socket wrench and socket to remove the old spark plug after removing the ignition wire. Insert a straw and spray a whole bunch of carburetor cleaner or penetrating lubricant inside the piston chamber. Let the chemical soak in. After an hour or two, try spinning the flywheel manually to move the piston and crankshaft.
- 4). Screw a spark plug tester into the chamber via the spark plug threads. Pull the starting cord to turn the engine over. Watch the spark plug tester to confirm the ignition still works.
- 5). Pull the spark plug tester out and insert a compression testing tool. Again pull the starting cord. Examine the compression tool dial and note the compression reading. Repeat the test two more times. Compare the results with the outboard manual to confirm if appropriate compression still exists.
- 6). Use a socket wrench and screwdriver to disassemble the outboard's carburetor. Take the unit apart with a screwdriver and crescent wrenches. Clean out all the parts with carburetor cleaner. Reassemble the carburetor with new gaskets and reattach it.
- 7). Check any engine wiring for age and deterioration. Find a good connection point and cut off the old wiring. Use a wire stripper tool to clear more wire and splice a new wire section to it as a replacement. Solder the connection and cover it up with shrinkwrap tubing.
- 8). Use your socket wrench and crescent wrenches to access the water impeller. Replace the unit with a new one. Tighten it into place.
- 9). Locate the engine oil drain plug. Open it up. Find the fill plug and pour in new engine oil. Let one can drain through the engine into a spill pan to flush out the internals. Replace the drain plug and fill the engine with a second can of oil. Close up the fill plug.
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Insert a new spark plug and reconnect the ignition wire to the plug. Connect a temporary fuel line and tank to the outboard. Place the outboard propeller into a bucket of water. Pull the engine cord and start it up. Keep tweaking the carburetor until it starts properly.
