Jim Thompson
New member
As a newcomer to marine engines, I think this is probably a basic question for many of you. I have a Zephyr OMC Saildrive gas engine. When starting, I have 2 symptoms: 1. It is very hard to start. It cranks, but takes quite a few tries to catch. 2. When I do get it to start, the engine RPM is very high, in the 3-4,000 RPM range. Usually, it will eventually go to normal idle and I can get on my way. But even then, I've had I shut off on me and it's very difficult to restart. Does this sound like a vacuum leak?