yamaha 30hp 1988 engine cut out please help!!

[digidy]

Hi all im new to this so please bere with me, I have just brought a 14ft fishing boat with a 30hp yamaha 2 stroke outboard, it is the 1988 model. I was out in the solent fishing on it yesterday and for no reason when i was plodding along it started to sound abit rattley. After about 2-3 mins the rev's kept dropping, it then cut out and couldnt get it re-started, any ideas what this problem could be and if its a quick fix because im dieing to get back out!!!!!! The vent was open and fuel line plugged in ect ect
Many thanks
Dale

[Lavy]

Check for any leaks in the fuel line (they do not like drawing in air). Is the fuel filter clean, best way is blow it out with compressed air. Also check the diagphram in the fuel pump these can get weakened even if they look ok. check the carbs for any crap and make sure you are using fresh fuel. If it still plays up it is probably electrical but i cant help you much with that side of it but im sure one of the other members will be able to.

Rich.

[squidlips]

can you turn it over?
if you can do a compression test
the rattling may be the big end or crankshaft bearings worn
or piston rings picked up in the bores.
if the compressions are ok,see if you have a spark at the plugs

[letsseeaction]

Dale,

Well done making your first post, did you phone the outboard center up where you just had it repaired?
Get it sorted before the following week and get an auxiliary engine before i come out in your tub.

Andy

[digidy]

Thanks all, went down yesterday to have a little play with it, and it did tick over, then went to put it in the water and for some reason the pull start got jammed, first thought was it might be in gear but wasnt, going to bite the bullet and take it down and let the pro's look at it because i cant handle being out the water any longer. It did have a compression test on it a week ago. im guessing these out boards are like cars, when 1 thing goes wrong it all starts goin wrong
thanks for all your replys, was great help, ill let you no the outcome
thanks again
Dale