Should outboard be stored at full tilt?

[Dhf]

I ask this question because I had trouble starting my 150 ficht the other day, after it had been left at full tilt up for 3 weeks since my last outing, the ignition seems to be okay and the starting motor was turning the engine over no problem, but she wouldn't fire.
I didn't have this problem when I went out 3 weeks ago, infact the engine started first time then, and that was after being stood for 5 months, but the engine had been left at 3/4 down position during this period.
So this is making me think is it bad to store at full tilt? and could this cause air locks?
Any thoughts/advise with this issue would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

[Into The Blue]

I've got the same engine but always store mine with the skeg just touching the ground - never had a starting issue.
Do you have a priming bulb in the fuel line and did you use it?

[jambo]

I have been advised by engineer to store my OB on the vertical.

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[Dhf]

Cheers guys,
Yes I primed the bulb, but it did go soft after repetedly trying to start, I usually keep tilted down and havn't had this problem before, I've booked a full service now, and think I'll avoid leaving fully tilted.

[Starovich]

Should outboard be stored at full tilt?

for a moment, i had pictures in my head of an outboard running at 5000+rpm hooked up to a fuel bowser and water hose!

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Dragonhawk ficht

Cheers guys,
Yes I primed the bulb, but it did go soft after repetedly trying to start, I usually keep tilted down and havn't had this problem before, I've booked a full service now, and think I'll avoid leaving fully tilted.

Change the primer too I think to be safe

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[davej]

I would always suggest storing with the leg down because:

anything in the powerhead passages can drain out

Water can't pool in the gearcase casting

and as other suggest, make sure that you prime the bulb to get plenty of fuel in the engine before you try and start it.

Dave

[thomas]

I've always kept mine vertical for all the reasons above but on the flip side, there are a lot more boats kept out in the water than on trailers and they don't have the luxury of being able to leave the leg down, they never seem to have any problems.

[Dhf]

Originally Posted by jambo

Change the primer too I think to be safe

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I've got a spare laying round somewhere, I'll get it changed with the service tomorrow.

Originally Posted by davej

I would always suggest storing with the leg down because:

anything in the powerhead passages can drain out

Water can't pool in the gearcase casting

and as other suggest, make sure that you prime the bulb to get plenty of fuel in the engine before you try and start it.

Dave

Yes I usually like to store engine down, but there's a slope behind my parking bay restricting this at the moment, the bulb was pumped before trying, but admittedly did go soft after a short while. This is what made me think air lock maybe?

Originally Posted by thomas

there are a lot more boats kept out in the water than on trailers and they don't have the luxury of being able to leave the leg down, they never seem to have any problems.

That's a very good point. hopefully the engineer can shed some light tomorrow.

Thank you all again for the advice

[Locozodiac]

When leaving engine tilted down specially when moored, be aware of excessive anode deterioration; if any or anodes are too small, lower leg & tail detereoration...

Happy Boating

[Dhf]

Service complete, conclusion was the throttle position sensor was partially siezed in the fully open position, therefore not allowing a spark to accure, so the mech took it off and cleaned and lubed all the moving parts, and the sensor works fine for now, the engine started with no trouble when refitted, but I will need a new sensor sooner or later, so will order one this week, been quoted £80, but if anyone knows cheaper be much appreciated.

The mechanic also noticed fuel leaking from the engines solid state fuel pump, the primer bulb was solid and the leak was only really noticable when extra pressure applied to the primer bulb, but the mech said the leak would cause air to be drawn in through the fuel pump, or leak whilst in use and posibly cause a fire, so it seems I need a new fuel pump aswell now, he phoned his suppliers S coast marine and was quoted £300, so once again if anyone knows cheaper be much appreciated. I'm thinking could it be just a gasket or something repairable? or could I get a decent 2nd hand one even?

As for the sensor that must have jammed open when I pushed the control all the way forward and back, previous to attempting to start the other day, I usually do this before ignition to make sure the cables are running smooth, so when I returned to neutral after doing this, the sensor thought engine was still on full throttle.
I'm thinking maybe I should start another thread for parts?
Thanks again for all advice