[531musky]

I hope someone out there can help me. I have a Coleman (No comments please) 9.9hp four stoke outboard that i've owned for about two years. I haven't used it hat much, but I'm having problems starting it. No issues before but lately it doesn't want to star half the time. Spark plugs are good, kill switch is connected, and battery is good, but no power getting to spark plugs when it's not starting. I took it off the boat and for kicks I tried to start it yesterday and it started six different times. I went out this morning and nothing. Any suggestions? I'm not really mechanical so use simple terms.

 

[jonesboy]

I have found that my 44 magnum works great at times like this!! I have not a clue what it might be. But I feel your pain.

 

[pistoldog]

Do you know for sure you have no spark to the spark plugs?

You mentioned "no power getting to spark plugs".

If so you've narrowed it down considerably allready.

 

[TthePikester]

My first advice would be to download the tech manual if you don't have one and read up in the troubleshooting section. Not enough info really in your post, plus if you are going to own a piece of machinery like this you should read up on it a little bit anyway so you can troubleshoot some of the problems. Here is the link you can download the tech guide for the model you have...

http://colemanatv.com/en/parts-a-accessories/category/f99-boat-motors.html

 

[531musky]

Yes, I have the manual, thanks. I just got home forom work, went out and tried to start it and it fired right up. Can't figure it out.

 

[aofisher]

Did it start every time while you had it off the boat? If, so it is probably an electrical problem from your battery to the motor. I had electrical problems with my first boat. Motor would start / not start randomly like you described. It was a lose wire. The problem went away after I fixed that.

 

[Bionic Man]

Since it is a Coleman 9.9, I would assume it is a pull start, not electric, so that would likely eliminate the electrical problem AO suggested.

How are you confirming it is not getting "power to the spark plug'?

In my experience, the most common cause or problems for that type of motor is a carb issue. How old is the gas? Do you always use some sort of fuel stabilizer?

 

[hobiecat]

Sounds like you're flooding it on the occasions when it won't start. Watch how much you're using the choke.

 

[aofisher]

Since it is a Coleman 9.9, I would assume it is a pull start, not electric

I thought the same thing but the OP mentioned the kill switch and the battery. Not sure how the battery would come into play if it's a pull start.

 

[fishforall]

Does this engine have a main fuse somewhere? Check it out and see.

Jeff

 

[531musky]

Thanks guys, It is an electric start motor. I'm not flooding it or choking it to start. When it does start it is first attempt every time. When it doesn't start, I can keep trying elctric and manual and nothing. It's trying to turn over but just won't. I'm not moving it or fiddling with it. I went out again just five minutes ago and it wouldn't start (several attemps). I'll go out when I get home and I bet it will start. The only only thing that will have changed is the passage of time. Don't get a Coleman. Not that there crap, but if you have problems there are no service centers anywhere. I'm in Colorado Springs. There are three boat service shops and none of them will even look at it.

 

[ghostman]

Possibly a "flat spot" on the starter combined with a weak or failing battery?

... but turning it over by hand should rule that out...

 

[ghostman]

Unfortunately, these types of intermittent problem usually end up being some electrical module or the like.

 

[531musky]

Don't know if this helps, but when it does want to start it will easily with key or rope.

 

[531musky]

There's a small box called the C.D.I. unit. Could that have anything to do with it and could it be faulty?

 

[ghostman]

There's a small box called the C.D.I. unit. Could that have anything to do with it and could it be faulty?

I'm no expert but it could be faulty.
Sounds pretty low tech, but maybe try lightly tapping on it after it won't start... then try to start it. I have seen stranger things solve (temporarily) such issues.
It may point out the problem spot anyway.

 

[ghostman]

Also, make sure all the electrical connections, plugs etc. are tight and not corroded.

 

[mycaye]

Get one of these gadgets, spark tester, handy around the house for lawn mowers etc.. http://www.harborfreight.com/inline-ignition-spark-checker-69014.html . Warning, it is a little known issue that can occur with outboards. Never crank the outboard with the plug wires ungrounded. It can cause the the ignition module to burn out.

 

[mycaye]

Also, spark plugs can cause intermittent issues also. Put a new NGK plug in your engine.

 

[TthePikester]

There are 4 places in Co. Sprs. that are suppose to be service dealers for Coleman, here 's the link to them...

http://colemanatv.com/en/find-a-dea...t=combined&task=search_zip&option=com_locator