Dead in the water?: An engine troubleshooting checklist

Boat/US Magazine, March, 2002

All too often, a person who calls for a tow not need one. This simple checklist will help you get things in perspective so that you can remedy the problem yourself before calling for help.

Overheating

(Note: Let the engine cool down before you do any work or attempt to restart.)

* Check the water intake, hoses, seacock, and sea Strainer. The sea cock may be closed or you may have sucked up sand, mud, or floating debris. (If the engine is still running, see if cooling water is flowing normally.)

* Check for slipping or broken belt on circulation or raw-water pump.

Action: Open the seacock. Clear the intake and strainer.

Action: Tighten or replace the belt.

* Check the coolant in the freshwater system.

Action: Top off with 50/50 coolant/water mix.

* Check engine oil level.

Action: Add oil as needed (never overfill!).

* Check raw-water pump impeller.

Action: Clear any broken pieces of the old impeller that could clog water flow. Install spare impeller.

Engine Will-Not Start, or Quits While Running

(Note Over 20% of calls for assistance are due to dead batteries.)

* Check fuel filter for water/dirt.

Action: Replace with new filter.

* Check for water in distributor cap or points for spark.

Action: Wipe WD-40 on cap and plug wires (cool engine only).

* Check fuse to ignition, plug on wire harness, and reset button.

Action: Replace fuse with same amp size. Reset ignition box. Make sure all battery connections are tight and clean.

* Check battery switch.

Action: Switch to second battery or to "Both."

* Check outboard fuel supply hose for kinks or twists.

Action: Attach and straighten hose. Make sure hose is connected tightly at engine.

* Check outboard fuel tank vent screw.

Action: Open vent.

Motor Runs but Will Not Go into Gear

* Check prop for fouling.

Action: Make sure motors are off and trim up the VO or OB. Remove line or other fouling object.

* Check hub on prop.

Action: Replace prop if hub is worn.

* Check transmission oil level (inboards).

Action: Add fluid as needed (never overfill).

* Check gear linkage.

Action: Reattach, adjust, tighten, or lubricate.

Running Aground

* Check bilges to ensure no water is leaking into the boat.

* Set the anchor to prevent going further aground.

* Determine the tide direction (rising or falling).

* Contact TowBoatU.S. for assistance, if necessary, at high tide.

Tools and Spares

* Carry an onboard tool kit with screwdrivers, wrenches, vice grips, knife, duct tape, etc. Also, belts, clamps, fuel filter, impeller, fuses, cotter pins, distributor cap, points (conventional ignition), spare prop (I/O and OB), oil, and 50/50 mix coolant.

* Keep items that could corrode in a watertight storage box.

* Always carry a copy of your engine manual.

Special thanks to contributing writers: Dave Vaiuso, Dave's Marine Services, Inc., and John Izzo, Oyster Point and Shiners Cover Marinas--New Haven, Connecticut.