Tips to Maintain Your Outboard Motor
Whether you have recently got an outboard motor or have been using one for years, you’ll need to maintain it regularly to keep it free of any problems. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—we have you covered.
Clews & Strawbridge is a one-stop destination for all your boating needs, and our experts have created this guide to help you keep your outboard engine in tip-top shape. Read on to learn more, and for more information or help in repairing your machine, visit our dealership in Frazer, PA. We are happy to welcome our friends from Philadelphia and West Chester, so swing by today.
Plan Your Routine
Create a maintenance schedule for your outboard engine and stay on top of its overall health condition. This will also help you avoid missing out on any critical maintenance step that can create problems in the long run.
Ideally, you’ll want to remove your engine’s cowling to inspect your outboard motor more closely and thoroughly. Keep an eye on any signs of leakage, especially at the joints. You’ll also want to unplug your battery and then inspect the spark plugs. Verify that they are clean and free of oil and their ceramic coating is intact. When reinstalling your spark plugs, make sure that you torque them to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Checking the oil is another critical part of outboard engine maintenance, and you’ll want to confirm that your engine oil is clean and free of debris and that it is not dark and sludgy. Replace any discolored oil as soon as possible and check your oil filter as well. Any grit or metal shavings in the oil can indicate internal issues. Let an expert mechanic check and fix the problem before it gets worse. While you are at it, you’ll also want to examine the fuel line and see that it is in good shape and attached securely.
Post-Boating Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your outboard motor alone won’t do—you will need to perform a few post-boating maintenance checks as well. These small but helpful measures will help extend the lifespan of your vessel and optimize its performance.
After each trip, ensure that you rinse and flush the engine thoroughly. Leaving water in the motor to dry can lead to corrosion and force you to seek expensive repairs. It’ll be a good idea to put your engine in neutral while it’s pumping out the water. You’ll also want to unhook the fuel line and allow your motor to use up any remaining fuel to prevent rust from occurring. Once your engine is dry, shut it down and hit the battery switch.
We hope these tips help you maintain your outboard motor like an expert. For more advice or help upgrading your engine to the latest model, visit Clews & Strawbridge in Frazer, PA. We proudly serve Philadelphia and West Chester—so stop in today.