Tips For Maintaining your Outboard Motor

The powerful capabilities in an outboard's lightweight structure make it one of the most convenient types of motors. They're great for just about any boating applications, but because they're an internal combustion engine, you need to service them regularly to keep them working properly. We want your boat to keep running strong for years to come, so we put together this guide to help you out with basic maintenance. Take a look at some of these tips, and try implementing a maintenance routine based on our advice. If there's any maintenance you're not comfortable doing yourself though, feel free to bring it into Dunfords of Havelock for professional service. We also sell plenty of Honda® outboards, Yamaha marine outboards, and plenty of other marine outboard motors, so check out our inventory if you're still in the market for a good engine. We're located near Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario.

Regular Tasks

You can save a lot of money by implementing your own maintenance routine. Doing simple tasks like oil changes and battery inspections can prevent serious damages that require professional repairs. Because an outboard uses internal combustion to generate power, maintenance on these components is similar to basic tune ups on your car. First, remove the cowling — the motor's cover — and check inside for leaks, especially at the joints between parts. If you notice any leaks, you'll definitely want to bring your motor into the repair shop. Next, unplug the battery, and remove the spark plugs. These should be pretty clean (although some deterioration is natural), and you'll want to wipe off any water or oil residue. If the ceramic housing isn't in good condition, replace them right away, since they're vital for your engine's performance.

Probably the most important thing to check regularly is your oil. In fact, we recommend checking your oil before and after every trip, so you can keep an eye on the quality and monitor for leaks. Of course, outboard motors burn through oil faster than cars do, so you'll have to top it off pretty regularly. But if you notice significant drops in fluid levels, you'll want to bring it in so we can find potential leaks. Also, every time you test your oil, make sure it's not too dark or viscous. If there are shavings or particles in there, that might mean the engine components are grinding together, so get them inspected by a professional right away.

After Every Trip

You don't just want to dock your boat and put it right into storage after every trip. Instead, there are a few simple things you should do, which will greatly improve the outboard's longevity. For one thing, saltwater and freshwater both have particles that can get inside your outboard and cause damage, so you'll need to flush the engine as soon as you get on land. Luckily, all you need to do is put the engine in neutral for a few minutes. It will naturally pump out all the excess water, without any extra work on your part. While it's running, you should also let it burn out any extra oil. To do this, first clamp off the fuel line so it doesn't spray everywhere. Then unhook it from the engine. The engine will run until the fuel burns out, and when it starts sputtering dry, turn it off. This prevents harmful leftover gasoline from corroding outboard motors, so it's a good habit to get into.

Professional Repair

These are all simple things that you can do in a matter of minutes. You should try to set them to habit immediately, and you'll thank yourself down the road when your engine stays running for years to come! Of course, every once in awhile you'll come across issues that need professional service. If this happens, don't hesitate to bring it into Dunfords of Havelock! We have a great service department, and we also sell Honda® outboards and Yamaha outboards, so come see us at our dealership near Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario.