Hi Bundeenaboy,
Sounds about right.
I'd add in a step after plug removal for checking for spark.
- put the cap on the spark plug and hold against engine body. Pull the cord a few times and make sure there's spark across the plug. You might feel a tingle but its nothing, and you need to check that the zappy stuff is happening.

If you clean the carby, go to the effort of pulling the jets out to clean them.
Crap in your main jet will cause idle/starting issues. crap in the secondary jet will cause off idle issues.
If you can get compressed air for cleaning the main jets it's a big bonus. You should always see a nice clean (but tiny) hole through the jet if you hold it up to the light. You'll need a set of carby jet drills if air and carby cleaner dont fix it.

another easy thing to sort that happened to me recently is check the primer. my primer stopped priming. unplug hose from engine, prime and see if fuel is going through.
i had a no spark issue on my mercury recently which i just sold after spending 450 on a CDI unit. my local lawnmower man told me that it was the trigger unit. But to change this i needed a flywheel puller, which you almost have to make yourself.

Bundeenabuoy said..
After a break of months due to my operation (mainly an excuse), I paddled out to my 23foot Southern Cross on Saturday. Miss Cross had survived the time as good as me.
My only issue is the motor won't start.
I changed the plugs but no encouragement.
My next step is to take fresh fuel in a new tank and line and swap over with the old one on the 8HP Mariner.
I will also remove the plugs and pull the start handle a couple of times without fuel.
I will then replace the plugs and try to start the engine again.
If this doesn't work, the next step will be to clean the carburettor.
Do you agree?

If you haven't been out there for a while. It could be a few things first water in the tank. Water has a knack for getting in plastic outboard tanks, if there is water in the tank have a look at the bottom where there will be a brown liquid. This is water.
Swap the fuel and have a see if it starts.

My guess is that you need to check the glow plugs

^^^

You need to spend some time on the forums 'Darker Side' to appreciate Craig66's humor on sailing forum.


(Who invited him here anyway )

cazou34 said..
is it your 9.8 tohatsu? Got the same one, really good engine, 95% chance it is fuel related so carb clean should work good.
Ch

This is an old Mariner 8, but I do have a 9.8 Tohatsu which I am very happy with.

TopHat 25 Mk2 said..

Bundeenabuoy said..
After a break of months due to my operation (mainly an excuse), I paddled out to my 23foot Southern Cross on Saturday. Miss Cross had survived the time as good as me.
My only issue is the motor won't start.
I changed the plugs but no encouragement.
My next step is to take fresh fuel in a new tank and line and swap over with the old one on the 8HP Mariner.
I will also remove the plugs and pull the start handle a couple of times without fuel.
I will then replace the plugs and try to start the engine again.
If this doesn't work, the next step will be to clean the carburettor.
Do you agree?

How old is the Mariner? Carbys are usually the cause of most outboard behavioural issues, fuel lines n fittings , lines harden, fittings can spin on hose sucking in air, bad!
Old stale fuel in carby can cause probs with needle n seat, stuck float, etc
Spark plugs ? Maybe for what they cost swap them out.
Your fuel pump could be buggered.
CD unit if fitted could be crook, Points if fitted, Condensor if fitted, Coil could be gone.
Lot of reasons why they stop, fiddly little buggers.
I have a cooked 97 Yammy 25 hp 2 stroker Im wrecking if anyone wants bits, know the gearbox has new water pump, he failed to check his thermostat after running in the dirty murray for a while.

I was unsuccessful trying to start the engine after changing the plugs, and trying new premium fuel in a new tank with a new line, but I am very fortune to have a sailing buddy who is a helicopter engineer.
He open the carby and said "there your problem".
The carby had a film of oil throughout.
He flushed out the carby and fuel filter, which both had dirt in them, with the new fuel, and then blew compressed air through everything including the jet.
Started second pull.
Easy if you know how and good to watch.
Thanks Greg.

Thanks also to all who offered me suggestions.