54
Trouble Shooting Chart
PROBLEM: POSSIBLE
CAUSE
Poor speed or fuel
economy:
Wrong propeller for load or conditions.
Trim is in too far.
Load is too far forward or too heavy. Boat has taken on water.
Marine growth on hull. Line or anchor is dragging.
Fuel is stale or partially blocked. Engine is worn, out of tune or underpowered.
Improper rigging. Air intake or exhaust is partially blocked.
Engine cranks but will
not start:
Out of fuel. Filter is clogged. Fuel line kinked or fuel vent plugged.
Water in fuel.
Engine problem (electrical, fuel pump, blockage, etc.).
Safety stop switch lanyard not installed.
Engine will not crank:
Drive is in gear (check operation of the throttle release).
Battery is weak. Terminals corroded or loose.
Engine or drive is damaged.
Engine runs but boat will
not go:
Throttle release is engaged.
Disconnected shift linkage.
Damaged prop, or lower drive unit.
Entangled in lines or weeds. Anchor is down.
Prop cavitates:
Trim out too far. Motor is too high.
Weeds on prop.
Bow heavy, damage to hull.
Prop is damaged.
Excessive vibration:
Propeller, engine, or drive unit damaged.
Hull damaged.
Boat will not turn:
Steering unit needs fluid or has trapped air. Tiller is disconnected (helm turns).
Steering trunion or mechanism jammed (helm won't turn).
Electrical problems:
Corroded wires, terminals or plugs.
Broken, loose or short circuited wires.
Circuit breaker tripped.
Defective switch, device or breaker.
In-line fuse blown.
Overloaded circuit.
Handling problems like:
Porpoises
Trimmed out too far, damaged hull (rocker), trim tabs up, stern heavy.
Runs wet
Trimmed in too far, bow heavy, trim tabs down, overloaded for conditions.
Hard ride
Stern heavy, trimmed out too far, going too fast for conditions.
Lists
Loaded to one side, trim tabs set wrong, trimmed too far in, fuel tanks uneven.
Over bank in turn
Trimmed in too far, improperly located load, throttle advanced too far.
Catches in turns
Damaged hull (hook), stern heavy, trim tabs down.
