I hate my dinghy motor

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by AnglaisInHull

Can I throw in a rant on this ever-popular subject?

First, I feel your pain (mostly in my right arm!) Our Tohatsu 6 hp is incredibly temperamental - I'm gradually understanding its quirks but am getting a lot of exercise on the way.

But in general, why does it seem so hard to make a reliable outboard? My only other experience with small four cycle engines is a Toro 5 hp snowblower (photo attached for you tropical dwellers who don't know what that is ). It starts first pull, every time, in all conditions.

What do they know that the outboard manufacturers don't?

Yeah, I dont get it either, but will say, my old 90's Yamaha 15 never failed to start. Easy Peasy. Also , I have an old 4.5 HP USA built Mercury. (90's?) It's the same. I think it's the smallest engine with a shifter. It can sit all winter (I empty the carb) and it will start in 2-3 pulls first time in the spring. Ethanol gas.