7 Essential Tips on Caring for Your Outboard Engine

An outboard motor is essential for a vessel. Proper care and regular maintenance help keep the engine in good condition for a longer time and retain its value and performance. However, it requires following some crucial considerations and professional help whenever required. In this post, we’ll check the steps to make sure the outboard engine of your boat is cared for properly.

The Basics

Most outboard motors for sale have a complex mix of electrical and mechanical components, which require regular attention to work efficiently. An unattended motor affects the overall boat performance and leads to costly repairs. Hence, experts recommend having a fundamental understanding of the boat motor’s working and caring points.

How to Take Care of Your Outboard Motor?

1. Fuel System Maintenance

A professional marine mechanic can help you to know the importance of a clean and optimal fuel system. It may compromise performance if you do not use the manufacturer’s recommended fuel or if the fuel is stale. Hence, frequent inspection and cleaning of fuel filters and keeping a reliable fuel supply for your outboard motor ensures consistent output. A fuel stabilizer adds advanced protection to the fuel system, especially while you keep the boat not in use for a long time.

2. Regular Checks of Components

You should periodically examine the boat propeller for any damage, fishing line entanglements, and debris and dust on the engine parts that can hinder the performance. Analyze the cooling system for blockages and ensure a correct water flow to prevent any heating issues. If you find anything unusual or don’t know how to fix certain things, contact your nearby boat maintenance services in BC. Their marine professionals will help identify the issue correctly and repair it.

3. Engine Oil Changes

Experts in the boating community recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines for using the specific engine oil based on motor specification and usage. Regularly changing oil after a few trips or whenever required is essential. It enables you to prevent internal engine damage, which can happen by using low-quality or dark, dirty oil. If there are any doubts, book marine services of an experienced team for the solution.

4. Lubrication is Essential

Proper lubrication is a common maintenance point across all types of boats and outboard services. Regularly grease the trim ram tops of the Power Tilt & Trim unit, fittings, pivot points, etc. It will help prevent corrosion, reduce friction, and eliminate squeaking noises. The team at Alberni Power & Marine will help you understand how to properly use marine-grade grease to keep water from entering the engine parts, especially when you use your boat more in saltwater conditions.

5. Check Electrical System

Electrical components are crucial to any outboard. Check the electrical connections and tighten them if necessary. Replace the spark plugs whenever needed. To avoid corrosion, you also need to ensure the electrical system does not become wet.

6. Cleaning

Many people overlook the cleaning of the external parts of the motor, which is an important point of outboard maintenance. Industry experts suggest cleaning the engine to remove dirt, salt deposits, grime, etc., after every use. Ensure the intake ports of the cooling water are free from obstacles and the system has proper water circulation.

7.Winterization and Spring Preparation

Though the boating season is coming soon, it is crucial to have the contact of a reliable boat dealer in BC. Their professional team can help you check your vessel, outboard, and other components before you start your boating season on the West Coast waters. When the time comes to winterize your boat, they will adequately use fuel stabilizers, change the oil, and follow all the other necessary steps to keep the vessel and engine in the best possible condition during the off-season.

Apart from the above points, here is a quick checklist that can help you identify when you need to connect with a boat service center in BC for boat repowering or outboard maintenance.

• You have used the outboard motor for more than 100 hours
• You are buying a used outboard engine for your boat
• You hear unfamiliar noises from the motor or vessel
• The propeller is faulty, or other components are not working properly
• The water pump is filled with debris and other obstacles

Conclusion

Caring for an outboard motor is as crucial as maintaining your boat. Marine mechanics recommend servicing the engine every year, irrespective of the usage hours. If you want to avoid going for full service, changing the oil, flushing the engine with fresh water, replacing the filters, and doing some basic maintenance are vital. Suppose you want new or used Mercury outboard motors for sale, engine or boat repairs, boat motor financing, or boat storage. In that case, connect with Alberni Power & Marine. Our experienced, professional team will help you solve your queries and provide the right sales & service support for your needs.