As a boater, you may be wondering whether it is acceptable to dry start your boat’s outboard motor. A dry start is when you start your motor out of water, which can cause damage to the engine. In this article, we will take a closer look at dry starting and whether it is acceptable.
First and foremost, it is essential to understand how an outboard motor works. An outboard motor is designed to be cooled by the water in which it operates. When you start the motor out of water, it can cause the pump impeller to spin faster than intended, which can damage the impeller or even the water pump itself.
Additionally, starting a motor out of water can also cause damage to the engine’s internal components. As the motor is not being cooled as it should be, it can overheat and cause severe damage. Moreover, a dry start can also cause the motor to seize up and potentially damage the pistons or bearings.
Given these potential issues, it is clear that dry starting an outboard motor is not acceptable. It can cause severe damage to the engine, resulting in costly repairs or even the need to replace the motor entirely.
So, what should you do if you need to start your outboard motor out of the water? The answer is simple; don’t do it. Even if you need to test the motor or drain the water out of it, there are alternative methods that you can use to do so safely.
For example, you can turn the motor on while it is in the water, but not running, and allow it to circulate the water for a brief period before turning it off. This method will allow you to test the motor and check for any potential issues without risking any damage.
In summary, dry starting an outboard motor is not acceptable. It can cause severe damage to the engine and result in costly repairs. As a responsible boater, you should always avoid dry starting and instead use alternative methods to test or drain the motor safely. By doing so, you can ensure the longevity and continued reliability of your boat’s motor.