Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post here for issues with outboard engines (i.e Yamaha 9.9) on PDQ yachts
Post Reply
User avatar
thinwater
admiral
admiral
Posts: 1110
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:08 am
Contact:

Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by thinwater »

While I know it is possible in theory to pull-start the engines, it seems certain the angle of pull would be impossibly bad. Has anyone actually pull-started one of these, was an extra pulley needed somewhere, or other trick? I am a big believer in Murphy's Law, so a viable manual option seems wise.
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
User avatar
Cat Tales
admiral
admiral
Posts: 257
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:20 pm
Location: Boynton Beach, FL (36081)
Contact:

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by Cat Tales »

We've had to pull start a couple of times. I raise the engine to the point where the prop & intake are just barely under water (theoretically "shallow water drive position"). Then rap the pull starting rope around the flywheel, but instead of ending the rope to pull from the front of the motor, I pull from a more convenient angle slightly aft & inboard. The motors are fairly easy to pull start, just remember to pull the choke out and apply some throttle before pulling. You may also want to prepare the proper size socket wrench needed to remove the housing covering the flywheel, and store it in a convenient spot with your pull rope.
Chris & Kelly Haretos
Formally of s/v Cat Tales, 36081
Boynton Beach, FL
User avatar
Page 83
admiral
admiral
Posts: 455
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 11:48 pm
Location: Annapolis, Md. 36026

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by Page 83 »

A shot of carb and choke cleaner directly into the carburetor sets a more convivial mood too!
Sandy Daugherty "Page 83" PDQ 36026
charlie phillips
deckhand
deckhand
Posts: 9
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2007 7:22 pm
Location: Portland, OR (32046)

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by charlie phillips »

We had to hand start the SB engine our 32 (which I think is what you have) and found it to be quite easy. The pull angle is horizontal when the engine is all the way down. If you are strong, you can just bend over and give it a pull, despite the poor angle. If not, sitting in the cockpit with your feet against the engine well gives a perfect angle and lets you use both hands. Using this technique, my 118 pound wife is able to start the engine on the first pull.

The problem turned out to be a loose connection in the starter interlock wiring.

Charlie
User avatar
thinwater
admiral
admiral
Posts: 1110
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:08 am
Contact:

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by thinwater »

That is all encouraging - thanks.

There was a comment regarding closing the choke; I believe mine are auto choke, or am I missing something?
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
Allezcat
admiral
admiral
Posts: 272
Joined: Fri May 07, 2004 9:29 pm
Location: Punta Gorda, Fl 33955

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by Allezcat »

The 9.9 starts easily by rope pull. Tilt the engine partially so you have a good pull angle. Do NOT run the engine with the lower unit out of the water for more than a few seconds. It will destroy the rubber water impeller. Be sure to have the ignition switch on before trying to start. The choke is automatic. My flywheel covers come off with just a screw at the aft end and a pin on the front. It pays to lubricate both the pin and screw periodically as they will become frozen over time.

Chet
User avatar
Cat Tales
admiral
admiral
Posts: 257
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 7:20 pm
Location: Boynton Beach, FL (36081)
Contact:

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by Cat Tales »

Auto choke shouldn't pose any problems, just give it a little throttle before and while pulling. Should start within the 1st to 3rd pull, unless the engine has been sitting a while. Then you'll need to pump some fuel into the line with the hose bulb.

I'd try it once or twice while at the dock just to get used to it and keep everything you need together in a convenient spot.
A short example...We were entering a bridge span when the engine was idling low and died, and the key didn't work to restart it. Quickly figured it was something electrical (starter, wiring, etc.) but we had no time to fiddle with it until we could anchor safely. One engine gave us some directional control, but we needed both engines to safely manuever the bridge due to a strong current. (Luckily, we had some previous practice at the dock pull starting the Yamahas because of some other electrical problems on the opposite engine.) Within two minutes we had the flywheel cover off and had the motor started on the second pull. Turns out it was a loose battery wire.
Chris & Kelly Haretos
Formally of s/v Cat Tales, 36081
Boynton Beach, FL
User avatar
thinwater
admiral
admiral
Posts: 1110
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:08 am
Contact:

A little tilt was the trick

Post by thinwater »

I made up a pull rope using a spare handle I had, gave it 2 pulls, and there she went. The starting fluid is a must in January, I think.
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
User avatar
Page 83
admiral
admiral
Posts: 455
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 11:48 pm
Location: Annapolis, Md. 36026

Re: Manual Starting of 9.9s

Post by Page 83 »

Since I brought it up, I should throw in the obligatory caution. Starting fluid washes what little remains of oil off the cylinder walls, leading to rust and very high wear on the high sides of the piston rings. Definitely a CLM (career limiting maneuver) for engines. I suppose after a couple of tries I should pull the plugs, squirt in some foggin oil, and spin the crank a few times.

Hey, engine guys! A little help here?
Sandy Daugherty "Page 83" PDQ 36026
User avatar
thinwater
admiral
admiral
Posts: 1110
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:08 am
Contact:

Starting fluid demands extreem moderation

Post by thinwater »

If you always use the absolute minimum, I doubt the effect is measurable, and the oil is replaced within a few turns. You should only be replacing the small deficiency of volatiles that the gasoline is not providing. In fact, I would guess what Sandy says is more true of 2-strokes, where the fuel is the only source of oil.

I have always found the best way to ease starting is to go sailing often!
Writing full time since 2014.
"Rigging Modern Anchors,"Seaworthy Press, https://www.amazon.com/Rigging-Modern-A ... 1948494078
Book Store. http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2017/ ... store.html
Post Reply