Common Causes of Poor Idle on Small Outboards 1. Dirty or Blocked Carburettor (Most Common) At idle, the engine relies on tiny idle and pilot jets. Even a small amount of dirt or old fuel varnish can block them. Symptoms Fix 2. Old or Contaminated Fuel Petrol goes stale quickly, especially with ethanol. Symptoms Fix […]
Fixing Common Pull-Start Problems on Small Engines Pull-start (recoil) systems are simple, reliable, and found on most small outboards, generators, and garden engines. When they fail, it’s usually due to wear, dirt, or corrosion rather than serious engine trouble. The good news? Most pull-start problems are easy and cheap to fix at home. This guide […]
Common Causes of Poor Idle on Small Outboards A small outboard that won’t idle properly — stalling, hunting, or needing throttle to stay running — is one of the most common problems boat owners face. The good news is that most idle issues are simple, cheap fixes once you know where to look. This guide […]
What to Do If Your Outboard Fails at Sea An outboard engine failure at sea is one of those situations every boat owner hopes never happens — but it does. Fuel issues, electrical faults, weeds in the prop, or simple mechanical failures can all stop an engine without warning. The key thing to remember is […]
✅ Is scaffolding suitable? Yes, if: A 40–60 hp outboard can weigh 90–120 kg, and bigger ones more — so stability matters more than strength. ⚠️ Key risks to avoid Most accidents happen when the engine is tilted or being worked on. ✔️ Recommended design (safe setup) Frame Transom board Wheels (optional) 🔧 Simple scaffold […]
How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk Have you got an old, broken, or non-running outboard lying in the shed? Don’t scrap it just yet — there’s money to be made. Many boaters are desperate for used spares […]
How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk Have you got an old, broken, or non-running outboard lying in the shed? Don’t scrap it just yet — there’s money to be made. Many boaters are desperate for used spares […]
Diagnosing No‑Spark Problems on Small Outboards A practical, step‑by‑step HTML guide for small‑outboard owners — find the cause, run safe tests, and decide when to call a mechanic. Quick summary No spark at the plug is a common reason small outboards won\’t start. Usually it’s one of a handful of issues: kill switch/immobiliser problems, battery/charging […]
The Best Way to Flush Your Outboard After Saltwater Use Why flushing matters, and a clear step-by-step guide to protect your outboard from corrosion and salt buildup. Why you should flush your outboard Saltwater is corrosive — it eats at metal, blocks cooling passages with salt deposits, and shortens the life of your outboard. Flushing […]
How to Winterise a Small Outboard — Step-by-Step How to Winterise a Small Outboard Summary: Winterising a small outboard protects the engine from corrosion, fuel problems, water freeze damage and makes spring commissioning much easier. This guide covers both 2-stroke and 4-stroke small outboards, with clear steps, safety notes and photo suggestions you can replace […]
