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Tips For Maintaining your Outboard Motor

Sep. 15 2021 Lifestyle By Dunfords of Havelock

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Keeping Your Motor In Top Shape


Did you know that the average marine gasoline engine will run for 1500 hours before requiring a major service? And that the average marine diesel will run for 3 times longer and average 5 000 hours before a major service will need to be done!

This information shows how reliable an outboard motor can be if maintained properly. You don't need to be a mechanic to ensure your outboard motor is in good condition and keep running for years! Read below for the best tips on maintaining your outboard motor!

What Is an Outboard Motor?


In short, an outboard motor is a propulsion system for boats. It contains three components: an engine, propeller and gearbox, all are outside of the hull of the boat. An outboard motor is designed to be reliable and resistant to all sorts of weather and different climates that a boat will have to perform under.

An outboard motor can have tilt position choices between up or down so the engine doesn't hit the bed of the river or ocean. It also works to provide steering control for the driver. Unlike inboard motors, outboard motors can be easily removed to perform repairs and be repaired easier if you were to become stranded out in the water.

Does It Require Special Care Or Maintenance?


An outboard motor is an internal combustion engine and with any of these types of engines, maintenance is necessary at regular intervals. An outboard engine performs outside with no bonnet or shell protecting it so extra maintenance and checks need to be done compared to a car.

Check the fuel lines before each ride for cracks or worn out spots, make sure the primer pump is not cracked and pumping before going out on the water and check the clamps for rust and corrosion. In fact, a proper check of the whole fuel system is advisable before each ride as a fuel leak on a boat can be catastrophic.

An owner can even go one further and check that the trim system is working correctly, the engine moves up and down, the steering is working, the engine moves side to side, and turn the propeller by hand to see that it's not stuck and free.

All these checks can be done on land before the boat enters the water. Taking an extra 20 minutes each time to properly evaluate the motor can save you a headache further down the road.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Motor In Tip-Top Shape


Even if you're not a mechanic, it's not that difficult to keep your motor in tip-top shape. The following tips below will help you do so.

  • Check the fuel tank for damage and that it's properly sealed and there is no water in the fuel tank
  • Check the fuel filter for any water, if there is a layer of water at the bottom, remove the filter and take out all the water present
  • Lubricate the trim and power steering system every 100 hours or every year
  • Check the engine regularly for rust or corrosion on any of the parts and replace them if you find any
  • Change the oil and oil filter after every 100 hours of use or annually
  • Replace the water pump or the water pump impeller after every 300 hours or 3 years
  • Change the engine's gear oil every 100 hours or every year

Things To Do After Every Trip


Boat engines are always working in conditions not suitable for engines to be working, therefore after every use, a few steps should get followed to prevent any rust build-up or any parts failing prematurely.

First Thing To Do


The first thing to do after your trip is to flush out your engine. This applies to saltwater and to freshwater usage.

Startup the engine and let the freshwater run through the engine, make sure everybody stands clear of the propeller and don't shift the engine into gear.

While you are doing the engine flush, check to see that the water pump has good water flow and there are no blockages on the water output pipe. If there is, remove the pipe, clear the blockage with a thin piece of wire and try again.

After Flushing


After flushing the engine, disconnect the fuel line and allow the engine to burn off any fuel left in the motor. This will prevent the fuel from slugging up and causing a blockage.

Take the engine cover off and spray the entire engine, especially the moving parts, with an anti-corrosive like WD 40.

If it's your last trip of the season, drain the entire tank of all its fuel and use fresh fuel when the season starts again.

Always keep plastic or canvas over the engine while it is not in use.

When Do You Know It's Time to Replace Your Engine?


Outboard motors, with the right servicing and maintenance, do last a very long time but over time an engine will eventually fail and need to be replaced. So how do you know it might be time to replace your engine? Look for the following as signs that you may need a new engine!

  • You have an issue steering the boat and the steering is very hard
  • The trim doesn't work
  • Your engine keeps overheating
  • Loss of engine power
  • The engine has difficulty starting
  • Intense vibration in the hull while the engine is running
  • Your drive belt is broken
  • The cost of fixing the engine is more than the cost of a new engine

Outboard Motors are Robust


Boating is always a lot of fun and by following these simple tips, you will enjoy many happy hours on your boat and more importantly, it won't leave you stranded when you need it the most.

Are you looking for expert advice on your outboard motor? Do you need any spare parts or an affordable service done? Get in touch today and we will make sure your boat stays in top-notch condition!