Uh Oh

[B747dx]

I'm afraid I already know the answer to this. So it's a beautiful morning, ready to go for a nice sail. I start to head out of the cove, when suddenly I look down and notice, to my sudden horror, there's no "pee stream" coming from my 4.5 hp Mercury outboard. Of course, the next thing I know, *poof*, it dies, and a bit of smoke puffs out. I drop anchor hastily, and it's hot! I get the sails up, pop back to my mooring (I had only gone about 15 boat lengths!) derig, and head for home very disheartened that my sail day is shot. (The wind was right up the narrow channel, so I didn't even bother knowing it would be a bear to get back.) So, my question (finally) did I do permanent damage to the little motor that suddenly couldn't? How will I know? Looks like my impeller failed? Do I have a water pump on such a small outboard? Obviously, I know nothing about outboards. Is it a sign that I'm an obsessed sailor when I'm as equally mad that my outaboard is shot as I am that my beautiful sailing day is ruined?

[SVCarolena]

Assuming the motor didn't sieze and you can still turn it over by hand, you may be ok. If it is siezed, you may be able to save it by pulling the spark plug and squirting a little penetrating oil like Marvel Mystrery Oil in the cylinder. Then let it sit for a few hours and try to turn over again. Once you are able to turn over the motor, replace the impeller before trying to start it. I'm sure the impeller is toast, but you may also want to check for any obstructions in the water intake passage.

[B747dx]

Thank you SO much. I actually was able to restart it about 1 hour later. (I only ran it for literally 1 second!) so I'm kinda guessing/hoping it's not completely dead. I will not start again until I replace the impeller and do as you say re: spark plug. Thanks for the info!