Proper care and maintenance of your outboard engine are crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your engine in top condition:
Keep It Clean and Dry
Regularly clean your outboard engine to remove salt, dirt, and debris. After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse the engine thoroughly with fresh water. Dry it completely to prevent corrosion and rust.
Flush and Drain the Cooling System
Flushing the cooling system after each use removes salt, sand, and other contaminants. This is particularly important if you operate your boat in saltwater. Use fresh water to flush the system thoroughly.
Drain the Fuel Tank and System
For portable fuel tanks, ensure they are completely drained before long-term storage. Similarly, drain the fuel system to prevent fuel degradation and starting problems.
Change the Engine Oil
Regular oil changes are vital for engine health. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals and use the appropriate type of oil for your engine.
Coat Surfaces to Prevent Rust
Apply a thin film of oil to all surfaces prone to rust. This protective coating will help prevent corrosion during storage.
Store in the Standard Operation Position
Store your outboard engine in its standard operating position. This helps prevent water from entering the engine and reduces the risk of internal corrosion.
Control the Storage Environment
Store your engine in a location that is free of excessive humidity and dust. A dry, clean environment is ideal for preventing damage and ensuring the engine remains in good condition.
Use an Outboard Engine Cover
Protect your engine from dust and debris by covering it with a specific outboard engine cover. This will keep the engine clean and prevent contaminants from causing damage.
Proper Fuel Management
Fuel management is crucial for preventing storage-related starting problems. Modern fuels have a short storage life, and gasoline can go stale in as little as 30 to 60 days, especially in warm weather.
Preventing Storage-Related Starting Problems:
-
Use Fuel Stabilizers:
- For storage periods of more than 30 days, add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. Use fuel conditioner.
-
Fill the Gas Tank:
- When adding a fuel stabilizer, fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. Avoid leaving the tank partially filled, as air in the tank can accelerate fuel deterioration.
-
Fresh Gasoline for Refueling:
- Ensure that any containers of gasoline used for refueling contain only fresh gasoline.
-
Run the Engine:
- After adding a fuel stabilizer, run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel throughout the system.
-
Drain Fuel for Long Storage:
- If storing the engine for more than 60 days, completely drain the fuel system and the fuel tank to prevent stale fuel from causing issues.
Maintaining the original performance of your outboard engine largely depends on the care you provide. Always refer to your Owner's Manual for additional storage information specific to your model. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your outboard engine remains reliable and ready for use when you need it.
Take a look at out selection of fuel additives
