Maintaining Your Outboard Motor
When you’re looking for a portable, lightweight motor that’s simple to use, an outboard is the perfect solution. They come in a wide range of styles, too, which makes them ideal for various boating applications. However, like any internal combustion engine, it’s crucial to perform proper maintenance to keep it in good shape.
Fortunately, Nisswa Marine has prepared this list of tips to help you get started with outboard motor maintenance. For more information or for assistance with parts and service, contact our dealership. We’re located Nisswa, MN near Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Brainerd.
Establish A Routine
Routine maintenance can be performed at home and it’ll help keep your outboard out of the shop for as long as possible. Your motor makes use of internal combustion to generate power, so it operates similarly to the engine of a car or motorcycle. To start inspecting your outboard, remove the cowling, which is the outer cover that protects the motor from water. Once it’s removed, examine the outboard for any signs of leakage, especially at the joints where parts come together.Remember to unplug the battery before you attempt to inspect the spark plugs. They should be clean, free of oil, and intact in their ceramic housing. When you reinstall spark plugs, be sure that you’re torquing them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Another critical aspect of outboard motor maintenance is checking the oil. You’ll want to confirm it’s not dark or sludgy. If you notice metal shavings or grit, this could indicate that parts of the motor are grinding together. This will require the assistance of a professional mechanic. Boat engines will churn through oil much faster than car engines due to how they operate. You don’t want the oil to disappear too quickly, though, because this could be a sign of a leak. Check the air filter and make sure it’s not too dirty. Examine the fuel line, which should be in good shape and attached securely.
Post-Boating Maintenance
Post-boating outboard maintenance is just as important as routine maintenance. After each trip, you’ll want to rinse and flush the engine. Saltwater and freshwater can both be corrosive if you leave them in the engine to dry. Start up your engine when the boat is out the water. Leave it in neutral while it’s pumping out the water. Unhook the fuel line and allow the engine to burn off any remaining fuel to avoid corrosion. Clamp the fuel line first so you gas doesn’t spray all over the place. Once your engine sputters dry, shut it down and hit the battery switch if applicable.
Professional Outboard Motor Maintenance
Last but not least, you’ll need to have your motor looked at by a professional at least once annually so that concerns can be addressed. You might end up needed to rely on their expertise when you run into problems that are beyond your scope. If you have trouble getting the engine to start or you’ve noticed a decrease in performance, a professional has the skills needed to find and fix the issue. This is a crucial component of proper outboard motor maintenance, so you shouldn’t try to skip out on it. You never want to let problems sit untreated for a long period of time because they will worsen. This can lead to costly repairs or permanent damage.
When the time comes for your yearly boat engine maintenance, you can count on the service department at Nisswa Marine. Give us a call to learn more about our outboard motor repair services. You can also visit our dealership in Nisswa, MN, near Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Brainerd.