Outboard Engine Care: Things to Avoid

When you’re out on the sea, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected engine breakdown. In order to prevent this, it’s important to take every action to ensure that your outboard motor is getting proper care. However, just as important is knowing what NOT to do to your engine. This blog will discuss seven things to avoid in order to keep your engine in top shape.

1. Forgetting to Read the Manual

This may seem obvious, but a surprising amount of boat owners simply neglect to read the engine manual. Though it’s not among the most exciting tasks owners need to carry out, it will be a huge help in familiarizing yourself with your engine. Even if you don't want to read it line by line, knowing the basics is still a good start when getting to know your motor.

2. Buying Cheap Fuel

Choosing the right fuel is a critical factor in keeping your engine running and performing as-intended for as long as possible. This means avoiding cheap options. Cheap fuel is less efficient, meaning you’ll go through it much faster and quickly rack up costs. In addition to this, cheap fuel can harm your engine and even destroy components such as fuel filters and pump injectors. Lastly, cheap fuel will prevent your boat from running in top form.

3. Buying Cheap Oil

Like cheap fuel, cheap oil can also be problematic. While it may save you money immediately, in the long run it will only hurt you financially. Simply put, you get out of your engine what you put into it. Cheap oil will give you cheap performance.

4. Ignoring Corrosion

Corrosion is a serious issue that can quickly become catastrophic. As such, you should be actively deterring it. The surface of the paint on your outboard is usually the first place where signs of corrosion occur, so pay close attention to this area. Should you notice blisters or bubbles beginning to form, begin taking steps to prevent corrosion from spreading. The leading cause of corrosion is saltwater, so be sure to rinse and flush your engine with clean water after every boating trip. Another thing you can do is apply a corrosion inhibitor, which displaces water and leaves a protective coating to shield the surface from further corrosion.

5. Skipping Over Thrust Bearings

If you need to replace the propeller, always remember to put the thrust bearing back on. Forgetting to do this will cause it to grind into the gearcase where it can cause severe problems that can cost astronomical amounts.

6. Ignoring Engine Odor

A strange smell emanating from the engine is often the first sign that something is wrong, so familiarizing yourself with the smell of a properly-running engine can be a big help. Smells like burnt oil, burnt rubber, or even a sweet smell can all be signs that your engine is in need of repair.

7. Forgetting to Flush the Engine

After a day of boating, you must always flush out the engine before putting the boat away. Skipping this step may not cause immediate problems, but over time, nasty grime buildup can become so severe that you’ll need to replace the entire engine.

Whether you have a Yamaha outboard motor or any other type of outboard motor, taking proper care of it is crucial. For marine outboard engine parts and much more, Aviation Purchasing Platform is here to help. As an online distributor of aircraft parts and much more, we can help you find all types of unique parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, marine, industrial, and electronics markets. Our dedicated account managers are standing by and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, call us today at 763-401-8616 or email us at sales@aviationpurchasingplatform.com.

1. elvis clinton
2. Posted on December 3, 2020
aircraft engines