How To Service An Outboard
How To Service An Outboard
An outboard requires regular servicing and maintenance, at least once a year and if possible, twice. There are simple basic steps that you can undertake to rejuvenate your outboard but first you are required to get yourself some basic tools like the owner’s manual. Pliers, adjsuatable wrench, screw drivers and a hammer. You may need some other materials like lower unit lubricants, replacement spark plugs, filters, car wax, fresh fuel and oil, bolts, waterproof marine grease and anything else you may require.
Irrespective of your outboard’s size or brand, it is recommended that you stick to the schedule that is outlined in your owner’s manual. To avoid voiding your warranty, see to it that you only use specified lubricants and spare parts and not any other. To start you off, make an a visual inspection by looking at the power head and check if there are any signs of leaking lubricants around the propeller. If there are any blades that are bent, you should consider taking the propeller to a specialist as a faulty propeller wastes fuel and increases wear in the lower units.
To lubricate the lower unit, remove both the top and bottom plugs and allow the lubricants to drain into a container and then replace it with the one recommended by the seller. You can then thoroughly check the lower unit for any loose nuts or missing nuts and bolts. You can use the manuals pictures to do this and replace any missing hardware with an exact type as recommended in the manual. Go to the transom clamp bracket and lubricate the grease fittings, the swivel bracket, which is the bearing that the motor turns on, with the waterproof marine grease that you should must have in hand. Using the same grease, repeat the exercise in the transom clamp screw threads.
Another very crucial area that you need to look into is the throttle control on the engine. You should twist the hand throttle while watching the motor to identify any movable parts inside the power head. Each moving part should be lubricated with the waterproof marine grease. All pivot points inside the motor must be efficiently be lubricated as well as the gear and its bearing.
There are parts that should be replaced atleast annually whenever you service your outboard like the spark plugs, fuel filters and the cowling on the engine. Keeping in mind your manufacturers directives, apply a coat of car wax to the cowling. You can then mount the motor and start the engine and check the a water flow at the rear of the engine to ensure the pump is functioning as required.
Understanding how to service and outboard on your own will save you loads of cash and at the same time extend your machine’s lifespan. If you get stuck, always call on special assistance. Any replacements must be the ones recommended by the manufacturer and stick to the manual.
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