Maintaining your Boat's Outboard Motor

Outboard maintenance can be a costly exercise, but even if you aren’t a mechanic there are some easy things you can do to keep your outboard motor running smoothly. There would be nothing worse than being trapped offshore with an approaching storm, so with a little care and preventative maintenance you can prevent this embarrassing and sometimes life threatening situation from happening.

Obviously we are not trying to put boat mechanics out of work so we suggest that at the start of every season (or you haven’t used your boat for a long period) you get a professional tune up done. (link to advertiser). A professional will be able to test the spark, run compression tests and give all critical parts a once over making sure to eliminate the common causes of outboard breakdown. After this service you should be ready to hit the water with confidence, and if you do a few things right you can stay out there all season.

So lets get into those preventative measures, firstly after every outing flush out the engine, this doesn’t just apply to salt water outings but fresh water too, if the water isn’t as clean as tap water you need to flush your outboard. Running aground or kicking up sand is a really good reason to make sure you flush after every trip. This shouldn’t be time consuming 10-15 minutes after a day of fun insures you will have many more.

To flush an engine you could use a flushing bag or a simple garden hose to do the trick, all you need to do is start the engine letting the water pump do the rest, obviously take care when working around the prop – remember its nice to have all your fingers and please take care around children. While the motor flushes you could check the water pump flow, the water might be warm to the touch so be careful. Sometimes debris can become lodged in the outflow tube and weaken the flow, stop the motor to avoid overheating it. You can work a piece of wire or similar item to clear up the tube, then check the flow again if it is still weak your pump may be faulty.

Once you have finished flushing you should disconnect the fuel line and allow the outboard to burn all its spare fuel, always make sure you don’t keep fuel for extended periods. It’s not only a fire hazard but can breakdown damaging your outboard. Other things to keep in mind are to check your fuel lines for signs of wear or leakage, make sure the fuel primer bulb is 100% , check your fuel tank for damage or corrosion and your tank vents are working 100%. Last but not least check for water in your fuel.

After this open your engine cover and check for fuel or water leaks, if there are any consult a reputable mechanic. Wipe down and spray the components with an anti-corrosive lubricant, be sure to lubricate the moving parts but consult your owner’s manual first to be on the safe side.

You are now done and can store you boat for your next trip, replacing the engine cover and disconnecting the battery before you cover or store your boat.

For additional information consult your outboard dealer or mechanic.

PS: Think of flushing the outboard in the same terms as brushing your teeth. The aluminum components of outboards are especially susceptible to corrosion, and leaving saltwater in the cooling passages severely shortens the life of an outboard motor. If you flush after every use, the engine will last longer and develop fewer problems—guaranteed.