Buzz
Giving your boat motor a little Tender Loving Care and practicing preventive maintenance can ensure safe boating while preserving your motor's longevity. This article outlines the basic steps you can take to extend the life of your outboard motor.
Steps
Cleaning and Maintaining the Motor After Your Outings
Flushing the Engine After Each Outing is crucial for both saltwater and freshwater use. For older models, consider using flushing 'earmuffs' attached to a garden hose to ensure thorough cleaning. Newer models may have built-in mounts for this purpose.
- Connect the garden hose to the earmuffs or mount, then turn on the water.
- Start the engine while ensuring safety precautions are followed.
- Allow the water pump to flush the system, avoiding the propeller and keeping the motor out of gear.
While flushing the motor, inspect the water pump for adequate water flow. Check the temperature of the water stream exiting the motor; it should be warm, not hot. Weak flow may indicate debris blockage in the outflow tube. Shut down the engine immediately to prevent overheating and damage.
- If the tube is blocked, carefully insert a small wire and work it back and forth with the engine off. Restart the engine and check the flow. If the issue persists, consider replacing the water pump impeller.
After flushing the engine, disconnect the fuel line (if applicable). For prolonged storage, disconnect the fuel line to allow the engine to consume any remaining fuel in the carburetor. Stale fuel can cause engine issues, so it's crucial to burn off all remaining fuel.
- Note: Two-stroke motors with multiple carburetors may run dry unevenly, leading to potential cylinder overheating. Listen for changes in engine sound or unusual smells indicating overheating.
Ensure to switch off the key and, if available, the battery switch. This ensures all components remain stationary during the cleaning process.
Remove the engine cowling and inspect for fuel or water leaks. The engine compartment should be free of any liquid accumulation. Consult a marine mechanic if leaks are detected.
Clean and apply anti-corrosive spray to accessible mechanical parts and moving components. WD-40 or Quick-lube are excellent options for lubrication. Ensure all moving parts, including pivots, shift mechanisms, throttle cables, and carburetor valves, are adequately lubricated.
Reinstall the cowling onto its mounts. Clean it thoroughly before covering the entire motor with a canvas or plastic sheet for storage.
Maintaining Regular Maintenance
Replace spark plugs and wires as necessary. Spark plug lifespan varies depending on usage and engine maintenance. Signs of worn plugs include poor engine performance and increased fuel consumption. Use a spark tester to check and replace plugs when needed.
- Disconnect plug wires and remove plugs with a wrench.
- Install new plugs and wires, ensuring proper attachment.
- Replacing both plugs and wires simultaneously is recommended for optimal engine performance.
- Remember the order of plug wires for reattachment.
Regularly inspect for water contamination in the fuel. Water in the engine can impair performance and damage components like spark plugs. Avoid ethanol-containing fuels as they can degrade engine seals and contribute to water intake.
- Ethanol, a common fuel additive, can degrade seals, gaskets, and hoses, leading to water contamination.
Inspect fuel line connections frequently. Ensure proper seating and absence of leaks to prevent hazardous situations in the engine compartment. Corrosion of fuel lines over time necessitates close monitoring.
Replace the water pump impeller every two years (or annually for saltwater use). The impeller, crucial for preventing engine overheating, should be replaced regularly due to potential muck buildup. Replacing it is usually a straightforward process for most outboard motors.
- Remove the impeller housing cover plate by unscrewing it and pulling it off.
- Extract the old impeller by gripping it with pliers and pulling it off the shaft. Clear any debris from the housing.
- Install a new impeller onto the shaft and reattach the cover plate.
Ensure the use of fresh fuel only. Boat motors are sensitive to fuel impurities. As fuel ages, it breaks down and becomes unusable. Before storing your boat at the end of the season, empty the fuel tanks and lines.
- Dispose of fuel and oils responsibly by taking them to a nearby recycling center.
References
- ↑ http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Help.html?Question=Freshwater-Flush
- ↑ http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/outboard.htm
- ↑ http://www.walleyecentral.com/winterize2001.shtml
- ↑ http://www.discoverboating.com/owning/maintenance/outboard.aspx
- ↑ http://www.boatingmag.com/boats/installing-spark-plugs
- ↑ http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/how-to-maintain-a-boat3.htm
- ↑ http://ridefix.com/carpedia/water_in_fuel_system
- ↑ http://www.alloutdoor.com/2013/06/25/fishermen-beware-ethanol-fuel-deadly-outboard-motors/
- ↑ http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/replacing-impeller.asp
Helpful Tips
Important Warnings
- Always ensure water supply to the lower unit when running the outboard motor. Dry running even for a few seconds can harm the water pump impeller.
