If you’re like most people, the thought of starting an inboard boat engine out of water is a daunting one. But with a little know-how and the right tools, it’s actually not that difficult. Here’s what you need to do:
First, make sure that your boat is sitting on a level surface and that the block is chocked securely. Next, remove the drain plug from the engine and allow all of the water to drain out. Once the engine is dry, replace the drain plug and fill the cooling system with fresh water.
Now it’s time to start your engine. Be sure to have someone else on hand to help you if necessary, as it can be difficult to do this alone. First, engage the clutch and turn on the ignition switch.
Then, open up the throttle slowly and steadily until the engine starts to fire. If everything goes according to plan, your engine should start right up!
SPRING START YOUR INBOARD/OUTBOARD
- Make sure the engine is in neutral and the kill switch is off
- Attach a garden hose to the raw water intake on the side of the engine
- Open the seacock or through-hull fitting that allows water to flow into the engine
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes until it reaches operating temperature
- Shut off the engine and disconnect the garden hose from the raw water intake
How to Hook Up Water Hose to Inboard Boat Motor
Assuming you have a freshwater inboard boat motor, there are only a few steps to hooking up the water hose.
First, make sure the engine is cool before attaching the hose. You don’t want to scald yourself with hot water coming from the engine.
Next, locate the water intake on the side of the engine block. There should be a small hose running from this point to the water pump.
Attach your garden hose to this intake using a standard hose clamp.
Make sure it’s tight so no water leaks out. Finally, turn on the water at the spigot and let ‘er rip! The water should start flowing through your engine and cooling it off immediately.
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Can You Start an Inboard Boat Out of Water?
It is possible to start an inboard boat out of the water, but it is not recommended. Doing so can damage the engine and propeller, and it is also difficult to control the boat when it is not in the water. If you must start the engine out of the water, be sure to use a suitable stand or cradle to support the hull and keep it level.
It is also important to have someone help you when starting the engine, as they can hold onto the boat and keep it from tipping over.
How Do You Start a Boat Motor Out of Water?
Assuming you are referring to an outboard motor:
You should never start your outboard motor without water running through it. Doing so can damage the engine.
If you need to start the engine while the boat is out of the water, you can do so by using a flushing device or muffs.
A flushing device attaches to your boat’s lower unit and allows water to circulate through the engine while it’s running. This will keep the engine cool and prevent damage.
Muffs are rubber devices that go over the water intakes on your lower unit and pump water through the system while the engine is running. Again, this will keep your engine from overheating.
Before starting your engine, make sure that the throttle is in the idle position and that all switches are in the off position.
Once you have attached either a flushing device or muffs, turn on the water supply and then start your engine. Allow it to run for a few minutes before disconnecting everything and taking your boat out on the water.
How Do You Start an Inboard Boat Engine?
Assuming you are starting an inboard boat engine that is already in the water:
1. Make sure your bilge pump is working and there is no water in the hull.
2. Check all fluid levels including oil, coolant, and fuel.
3. Open the seacock (valve) to allow water to flow into the engine cooling system.
4a. If your boat has a raw water cooling system, start the blower motor to blow air through the engine compartment (this prevents dangerous carbon monoxide fumes from building up).
4b. If your boat has a closed cooling system, make sure the circulating pump is working and circulating coolant through the engine before starting it.
5. Engage the clutch (if applicable) and put the transmission in neutral.
6a. For boats with carbureted engines: Prime the carburetors by opening up each throttle about 1/4 turn and holding it open until you see fuel flowing into the throttle body, then close it again. DO NOT crank or start the engine with any ofthe throttles open or you will floodthe cylinderswith too much fuel and risk hydro-lockingthe engine(which is very bad).
Also, make sure your choke is in th e correct position for starting (usually fully engaged). 6b For boats with electronic fuel injection: Turn onthe ignition switch but do NOTcrankor starttheengineyet – let allofth e systems “wake up” first by letting them go through their initial self-checksfor afew secondsbefore proceedingto step 7 below… 7 Nowcrankorstarttheengineaccordingto itsnormalstartingprocedure– if everythinglooks & sounds good so far, give ita little gas as it startsup to helpitrun smootheruntil it’s warm enoughto idleonits own… 8 Onceyou havesuccessfullystartedyourinboardboatengineand itis running smoothly, remembertoclosethe seacock!
Can I Start My Mercruiser Without Water?
No, you cannot start your Mercruiser without water. The engine needs to be cooled by water in order to function properly and prevent damage. If the engine overheats, it can seize up and cause expensive repairs.
Conclusion
If you’re stuck on how to start an inboard boat engine out of water, don’t worry! This guide will show you everything you need to do.
First, make sure that the area around the engine is clear and free of debris.
Next, open up the engine compartment and locate the dipstick. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
Now, find the primer bulb on the side of the carburetor and squeeze it several times until it feels firm.
After that, locate the throttle lever and push it down to the “choke” position.
Finally, turn the key to ignition and give the engine a few cranks until it starts up. If it doesn’t start right away, don’t panic!
Just keep trying and eventually it will catch.
