How to Use Ether to Start an Outboard Motor

Starting an outboard with ether means using a volatile liquid to force an outboard motor to begin the combustion process. You may have to use ether to start an outboard occasionally, particularly after a long period of inactivity. Ether, or diethyl ether, is the main component in many of the "starting fluids" that come in a spray form, and is found at most auto stores. When used properly and only occasionally, it probably won't harm most gasoline engines, including outboard motors.

Things You'll Need

• Safety lanyard
• Ignition key
• Spray ether

Instructions

1. Remove the top cover of the motor. Remove the nuts that hold the air silencer in place on top of the carburetor.

2. Insert the tab on the safety lanyard into the outboard's kill switch slot. Move the shifter or throttle to neutral, if your motor has a remote control unit. Move the throttle handle -- the twist-grip on the tiller -- to the start position.

3. Insert the ignition key in the key switch. Turn the key switch to the "On" position or turn the battery switch on.

4. Spray ether directly into the throats of the carburetor. Spray the ether into the carburetor for the amount of time recommended by the ether manufacturer on the spray container label.

5. Attempt to start the engine, using the key switch or recoil starter. Repeat, until the motor starts.

Tips & Warnings

• It isn't necessary to use the manual choke to start the engine when using ether to start the engine. You may have to pull the choke out after the motor starts, in order to keep the motor running. Push the choke in as the motor warms up.

• Do not operate an electric starter for more than 15 seconds. If the motor doesn't start on the third attempt, allow the motor to rest for 60 seconds before attempting to start the motor again.

References

• "Evinrude Repair Manual -- 2.5 to 250 HP Models, 2002-2007"; Seloc Marine; 2007