Do you have to flush out an Outboard with freshwater if it didn't start ?

[Pangaroo]

I launched my boat and tried for 10 minutes to get it to start . Pulled the cord again and again and it wouldn't start. When you pull the cord does the engine suck in water ? Or does it only pull in water when it's running ? When I got home I realized why it didn't start- the fuel vent was closed. Thanks for any help.

 

[pequa1]

My C-90 1999 Yamaha will spit water out the tell-tale when I am engaging the starter and thus before the engine actually starts. Of course, its a key start and a pull cord was provided as a backup. Don't know if that helps you but that water is coming from the bay just as though it was running.

 

[Roccus7]

Just flush it out with the "ear muffs". If the engine didn't start, I doubt the thermostat would have opened so nothing was flowing through the block...

 

[pequa1]

but if the telltale was spitting seawater was going past the impeller... But as R7 says... I have never NOT run my motor at the washdown rack or at home after going out on the water with muffs and a freshwater hose.

 

[Roccus7]

but if the telltale was spitting seawater was going past the impeller... But as R7 says... I have never NOT run my motor at the washdown rack or at home after going out on the water with muffs and a freshwater hose.

Yes, P-tube spits water without engine running. On my motor, when I push water through the ear muffs, the water goes out of it even if the engine is off. Thermostat needs to be activated for water to flow through the block...

 

[Pangaroo]

Thanks for the information.