If you’re a passionate boater, you know just how important it is to maintain your vessel. After all, there are many moving parts that require attention and care, including your outboard motor. Your engine is what keeps your boat running, so you’re not going to get very far without it! The good news is that outboard motors are easy to maintain as long as you know what you’re doing. At Riverview Sports and Marine, we’re committed to helping our customers maintain their investments. We’ve created this handy guide with everything you need to know about maintaining your outboard motor. Read on for more! If you need assistance, contact our dealership in Elk River, MN.
Frequency
The first factor to consider is how often you should be performing outboard maintenance. The answer can vary from one motor to another, but typically speaking, there are two types of maintenance to be aware of. Annual maintenance needs to be done at least once a year, which is self-explanatory. Don’t forget about post-boating maintenance. This part of your upkeep will have a direct impact on the condition of your motor when the time comes to perform year-round maintenance.
As the name suggests, you’ll need to handle post-boating maintenance after each trip on the water. Start by purging the water and then starting up the engine. This will allow the pump to remove leftover water used for cooling. In a marine environment, be sure to flush with fresh water so you can remove salt that may lead to corrosion. After you’ve flushed the engine, unhook the fuel line and burn out the remaining gasoline.
The next step is to remove the protective casing, otherwise known as the cowling. This is the part that’s responsible for getting the engine to run without coming into contact with the water. Remember to carefully wipe down the engine with a cloth as it will be hot. Spray the moving parts with lubricant so they keep functioning correctly. This is an ideal time to inspect the spark plugs and gasket seals for leaks. There should be no water inside of the engine compartment. If there’s a leak, you’ll need to bring your outboard motor in for service.
Stick to a Schedule
The best way to be successful with outboard maintenance is to set a schedule and stick to it. This will help keep your engine in excellent shape for years to come. Keep in mind that an outboard motor does not function like a car engine. These motors require an additional layer of expertise for proper upkeep and service. Not to mention that outboard motors have various gear and rpm changing, which means the oil burns faster than it would in a car. Check your oil regularly to get an idea of how much your engine is consuming. Always check the filters and spark plugs, too!
Still have questions? Our team is here to help. Give us a call to learn more about our inventory. We offer a wide range of outboard motors for sale in Elk River, MN, near Minneapolis and St. Cloud.