Engine cuts out

DGS · 04 September 2011, 08:37

Hi I have a Ribcraft 4.8m with Suzuki DF60 fourstroke (low hours) & all is perfect except occasionally when I hit a big 'ish wave the engine cuts out. It always restarts first time & it will be fine for hours & then the problem will intermittingly reoccur. Does anyone have any idea what is causing this? Thanks

karlT · 04 September 2011, 09:17

Possibly a worn Key / barrel ?? Does it only happen with 1 key or all your keys?

A loose electrical connection on either the ignition or killswitch ??

outboardtech · 04 September 2011, 10:12

how old is the engine?

DGS · 04 September 2011, 11:44

Engine is 6 yrs old & less than 100 hrs but has been regularly serviced (last service in May this year).

Erin · 04 September 2011, 12:40

As Karl says, it sounds very much like a loose connection somewhere. I'd check all electrical connections are tight first both in the console and on the engine itself.

DGS · 04 September 2011, 15:41

I've now checked for any really obvious loose connections but to be honest, I haven't a clue what all the wires do / are! I'll also try the spare key next time I go out - hopefully it'll fix itself! Thanks for the advise.

Max... · 04 September 2011, 15:46

I hate vehicle/engine electrics but those on an outboard are way simpler than a modern car - if you don't fancy having a go with a multi-meter then any decent auto electrician will check it out and find the problem within a very short time.

skippermarky · 04 September 2011, 15:47

Hi matey, I had a similar problem a few years ago, what a pain!!, turned out to be the kill switch?? regards mark

Richard B · 15 September 2011, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by skippermarky

Hi matey, I had a similar problem a few years ago, what a pain!!, turned out to be the kill switch?? regards mark

Similarly I've been through three battery isolator switches over the years.

Does anything else die at the same time as the engine (eg - GPS, depth, radio, lights) ?

biffer · 16 September 2011, 09:27

Start it up and wiggle all the wiring. Bang the controller etc. If it's something loose you'll find it

nan-ber · 16 September 2011, 10:08

would blame the kill switch, seen it a few times on the suzis, its not even the switch its just the collet on the cord that wears a bit, also check out all your earths also had this on my own motor.

DGS · 17 September 2011, 20:59

Thanks for all the replies. Thought I'd fixed it by tightening up one (unknown) wire to the engine but it did cut-out yesterday but only once despite a few thuds in the chop! Nothing else electrical turns off so the kill switch does sound like the most likely culprit. It's really annoying but will persevere tryiing to find the source.

DGS · 08 October 2011, 21:57

I've changed the kill cord & no problems since. Thanks for your help.