It's easy to keep your outboard in tip-top
shape, even if you're not a mechanic. A
little TLC and preventive boat motor maintenance
facilitates safe boating and can keep your
motor running well and reliable for years
to come.
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After every outing, flush out the engine.
This doesn't just apply to salt water
adventures, but to fresh water outings
as well.
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Buy a set of "rabbit ears": two flexible
rubber seals connected with a metal
clamp. Slip the apparatus onto the lower
unit where the water is picked up and
attach a garden hose.
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Start up the engine and let the water
pump do the rest. (Practice safe boating
and remember to stay clear of the prop
and make sure no one tries to shift
the motor into gear.)
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While you're flushing the motor, check
the water pump to make sure it has good
water flow. Carefully put your finger
through the stream of water. It may
be warm, but it shouldn't be hot. If
the output is not strong, you may have
some debris stuck in the outflow tube.
Immediately shut down the engine to
prevent overheating and damage.
-
Insert a small piece of wire into the
flow tube and work it back and forth.
Start the engine again and check the
output. If that doesn't solve the problem,
you may need a new water pump.
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After flushing the engine, disconnect
the fuel line and allow the engine to
burn all the fuel in the carburetor.
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Once you've finished the flushing and
run the engine out of fuel, be sure
to turn off the key and, if you have
a battery switch, turn it off.
-
Take the engine cowling off and check
for fuel or water leaks. If you find
leaks, consult your safe boating mechanic.
-
Wipe everything down and spray with
an anti-corrosive like WD 40 or Quick-lube.
Be sure to lubricate all the moving
parts such as the shift and throttle
cables, carburetor valves, etc.
-
Replace the cowling and wipe it down.
Keep a canvas or plastic cover on the
engine between trips.
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Always use fresh fuel. At the end of
the season, boat motor maintenance should
include draining your tanks and taking
the fuel to the proper recycling authority.
