If you’ve ever experienced your outboard motor dying when you put it into gear, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that boaters face and can be caused by several different factors.
One common reason for an outboard motor to die when put in gear is a dirty or clogged carburetor. When the carburetor is dirty or clogged with debris, it can’t deliver the necessary amount of fuel to the engine for it to operate properly. This can cause the engine to stall when put into gear because it can’t get enough fuel to maintain the required idle speed.
Another common cause for an outboard motor to die when put in gear is a faulty or dirty fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. If the fuel pump is dirty or malfunctioning, it may not be able to provide enough fuel to the engine when it is under load. This can cause the engine to stall when put into gear, as there is not enough fuel to keep it running.
A faulty shift interlock switch can also cause an outboard motor to die when put in gear. This switch is designed to prevent the engine from starting or running when the gear is engaged. If the switch is faulty or incorrectly adjusted, it can cause the engine to stall when the gear is engaged.
Low voltage can also cause an outboard motor to stall when put in gear. Low voltage can be caused by a worn or damaged battery, loose or corroded battery connections, or a faulty alternator. When the voltage drops below a certain level, the engine may stall when put into gear, as there is not enough power to keep it running.
There are several different reasons why an outboard motor may stall when put into gear. If you’re experiencing this issue, start by checking the carburetor, fuel pump, and shift interlock switch. If these components are working properly, check the voltage to make sure it is sufficient to keep the engine running. With a little bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to identify and fix the issue, allowing you to get back out on the water without any problems.