Low compression symptoms

Steve509926 · Today, 16:53

I've just finished servicing my 9.8 Tohatsu and came to fire it up to test it.
After quite a few pulls it fired up and died. Managed to get it started again, but it died after 30 secs. Third time lucky, started and ran for approx 10 mins on a slightly open throttle, then died again. After that I couldn't get it started at all.
Striped down the carb thinking it must be something I've done, clean and no obvious problem, put it back together and refitted it. Again tried to start the OB, slight inclination to fire up but just wouldn't.
I don't think it's a fuel problem and I've checked the spark (good and strong)
I've noticed the black carbon oil drip again that I saw when I first got the ob, pic in #24

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/tohatsu-9-8-2s-newbie-91068-2.html

Could it be possible that a ring has broken/cracked hence the carbon oil drip and the reluctance to start?

Fenlander · Today, 17:19

Steve triple check everything related to fuel as it’s likely the number one issue from what you describe. The oily drip is probably a red herring.

beamishken · Today, 18:24

You can buy a compression tester from a tenner so not expensive to rule out the compression being low but I agree with fenlander double check everything on the fuel side, the oily drip could just be unburned 2 stroke

willk · Today, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Could it be possible that a ring has broken/cracked hence the carbon oil drip and the reluctance to start?

I did 2 laps round a marina with one of these engines wondering why I had no power. After I connected the second HT lead it ran a lot better. My point is that they run pretty well on one cylinder. Fuel side is my bet too.

Steve509926 · Today, 21:07

Compression tester ordered, just to completely rule it out.

I'll go down the fuel route tomorrow. The only thing I can think of is the fuel pump (not checked) and/or fuel pipes.
Couple of questions, what drives the fuel pump? How do I check the fuel pump operation?
To check the fuel pipes, is it just as simple as taking off and making sure they are clear and not fractured on the inside?