ottawacj asked this question on 5/15/2000:

any tricks to getting a 20+ year old british seagull outboard started - it has not been started in 10+ years. It has fresh fuel, new spark plug but doesn't even cough.

thanks

cetaylor gave this response on 5/15/2000:

Since the engine has not been started in 10 years, I would definitely spray some outboard motor oil in the cylinder before cranking it over. This would help to protect the rings from seizing in the wall. Next, you need to check for spark. The easiest way to do this would be to clamp a spring type clothespin on the spark plug wire and prop it to within a 1/4 inch of the end of the spark plug. Then, crank the engine over. If a spark is evident between the spark plug and the plug wire, you are obviously getting spark. If you are not getting spark, you obviously will have to address this problem first. If however, you are getting spark, you might try spraying a little starting fluid (ether) in the carburetor before cranking. Do not use too much, as it is too hot for that engine. Just enough to get a cough. If this does not do the job, then you will probably have to rebuild the carburetor. The jets get gummed up with fuel residue, particularly when an engine sits for a while with fuel left in the bowl. One of these three things should be the problem. Good luck....