How To Repair Outboard Motors

Gunkhole enthusiasts know there's nothing quite like spending a day out on the water, but mechanical issues tin can bring that fun to a grinding halt. Because your gunkhole'southward motor is exposed to some of the harshest conditions, regular outboard motor repair and maintenance is essential. Here are six things you can do to get your boat prepare for the season and help y'all avert needing a tow back to the slip.

1. Spark Bank check

1 of the well-nigh common boating problems is an engine that won't start. Before you caput out, cheque your spark plugs and supersede them if needed. A good indicator that you need new plug is excessive fuel consumption and a deadening-revving engine. If your motor has either of these symptoms, remove each spark plug and check them.

2. Fresh Fuel

Fifty-fifty if you just used your gunkhole a few weeks ago, it never hurts to take a quick look at your fuel. H2o can contaminate and dethrone fuel and harm internal engine parts, so make sure to always put new fuel in the tank before you drop the boat in the water. While yous're at it, y'all should also check the fittings on the fuel lines and replace any leaky lines before starting your motor.

3. Impeller Replacement

If you lot run your boat in freshwater, you should replace the h2o pump impeller every two years, just for those who boat in salt water, every year is recommended. The impeller circulates water through the engine to cool it, and so making sure information technology is properly maintained and operational is essential. Refer to your owner'south manual for specific instructions on how to supervene upon the impeller on your boat. Clean out any debris before installing the new impeller, supplant the comprehend and y'all're set up.

four. Full Flush

Freshwater or salt, all outboard motors need to be flushed out later each outing. Attach your garden hose to the lower unit where the water is picked up, plow on the water and start the motor to engage the water pump. Check for adept water flow by carefully putting your finger in the water as it exits the motor. It should be warm but non hot and the pressure should be strong. If it'due south too hot or exhibits low pressure, stop the motor immediately and remove any debris.

5. Leak Check

Always cheque your motor for h2o and fuel leaks after each employ. Begin by disconnecting the battery at the switch, or past removing the positive lead if information technology doesn't have a switch. Next, remove the cowl and inspect for whatsoever signs of water moisture or fuel leakage. Accept your motor to your local gunkhole engine mechanic for further inspection and repair if you spot whatever leaks.

vi. Quick Lube

Before you park your gunkhole for an extended amount of time, you lot'll desire to wipe down and lubricate any attainable mechanical and moving parts to prevent them from rusting. A calorie-free coat of silicone lubricant or grease is will go along things like the shift machinery, throttle cables, carb valves and pivots protected during storage.

Proper outboard motor maintenance is key to having fun every time you striking the h2o. This uncomplicated checklist is like shooting fish in a barrel to perform at habitation and will ensure your motor runs failure-free through the entire season.

Bank check out all the marine & boat productsavailable on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on outboard motor repair, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA Automobile PARTS store.

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Erich Reichert View All

Erich Reichert has been an editor and on-air personality in the radio command car hobby for 12 years. A certified car nut since nascence, he has written for internationally published titles such as RC Car Action, RC Driver and Xtreme RC Cars, every bit well every bit Stuff Magazine, Road and Track and Super Street. He'due south covered everything from product reviews and tech manufactures to high-profile lifestyle pieces and celebrity interviews. Erich found his passion for writing after a successful career every bit an art director, working with brands such equally Pepsico, NASCAR, MTV, Nintendo, WWE, Cannondale Bicycles and HBO. He's also a father, an avid hockey fan and an FIA race license holder who enjoys hiking, playing drums and movies.