- Check the spark plugs before you start out. The spark plugs are the most common cause of an electric related problem which will require you to repair your outboard motor.
- Change the fuel in the engine regularly. It would help if you looked at the fuel in the fuel tank before you begin your day on a water body. ...
- Change the water pump impeller. It is good maintenance practice to change your water pump impeller every two years if your course is freshwater or every year if your course ...
- Frequent lubrication. Make it a habit to regularly use waterproof grease to lubricate moving parts of your outboard motors like the steering and pivot points.
Full Answer
How much does an outboard engine rebuild cost?
The cost of rebuilding an outboard boat motor will depend on the exact type of motor (brand, size and year), the degree of damage, its condition and mechanic performing the rebuild. On average, be prepared to pay a professional mechanic anywhere from $1,500 to as much as $4,500 for an outboard motor rebuild.
How do I winterize an outboard boat motor?
To accomplish these tasks, you will need the following items:
- Gallon of antifreeze
- Engine winterizing kit
- Flushing muffs
- Fuel stabilizer
- Gear lube oil
- Gear lube pump
- Outboard motor oil (Four-stroke motors)
- Oil filter (Four-stroke motors)
- Oil filter wrench (Sometimes needed)
- Drain pan to catch motor oil or gear lube oil
How to flush an outboard boat motor?
The easiest way to flush your motors properly is with ear muffs & a hose:
- Step Two. Attach hose to ear muffs and turn on. ...
- Step Three. Turn outboard motor on to idle and check water is coming out the tell-tale (meaning the water is running through the entire powerhead).
- Step Four. Run the motor until water starts running from the thermostat relief. ...
- Step Five. ...
How to start boat motor out of water?
Start the engine
- The first step is to turn the water tap on with the appropriate water pressure setting.
- Now shift the engine of your boat into neutral. Remember that even when you are running the boat, the engine must remain in neutral gear only.
- Use your key to get the engine started.
- You will see that water is coming out of the top of your motor. ...
Is it worth rebuilding an outboard motor?
It's too old, parts likely too scarce, and technology is way out of date. If it's a later '80s or younger engine with some or all of the features previously mentioned, and a new engine is out of the question, rebuilding is a good option that will add more years to your old outboard's life.
How much does it cost to rebuild a hp outboard motor?
A typical rebuilt midsize outboard motor from the 1980s to 2000 between 90 to 115 horsepower will cost at least $3,500 if purchased from a discount dealer; it will likely cost around $4,500 if purchased from a local full-service dealer. Rebuilding your engine will cost around $2,500.
How do you troubleshoot an old outboard motor?
Troubleshooting a Rough-Running Outboard Engine: Tune Up TipsCheck the Tank Vent and Hoses. ... Check the Fuel Connector. ... Check the Fuel Filter/Water Separator. ... Check/Replace Secondary Fuel Filters. ... Check/Replace Air Filter. ... Check Spark Plugs/Ignition. ... Check/Clean Carburetor.
Are outboard motors hard to work on?
But they are much easier to work on: A good boatyard can do a total outboard engine swap in a couple of hours, where the job for a diesel is measured in days. The outboard's tilt mechanism also means that when it hits an underwater object, it can often kick up before significant damage occurs.
Is it worth fixing up an old boat?
The reality is that even simple refurbishment can add a lot of value to your boat. Restore a bit of the luster and the value of the boat will rise, an old refurbished boat is worth more now than ever before. Doing more than just basic repairs can be a lot to ask.
How long do rebuilt outboards last?
A typical estimate from the industry is that an outboards motor last around 1,500 hours of operation. Assuming the average owner uses their boat 200 hours a year, this would mean that the motor would last between seven and eight years. That sounds about right in my experience.
What to check on an outboard motor that has been sitting?
What Should You Do If An Outboard Has Been Sitting For Awhile? Remove the Spark Plugs & Oil The Cylinders, Replace Plugs if Needed. Check the Condition of the Gear Lube. Disconnect the Fuel Line From the Boat & Check the Condition of the Fuel.
How do you test an outboard motor?
4:168:27How to Properly Test Your Outboard At Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater through the telltale. And even then if you don't get any the first thing is probably the bestMoreWater through the telltale. And even then if you don't get any the first thing is probably the best thing to do is go ahead and get you a real small piece of wire. And run it they're gently.
How do you service a 2 stroke outboard motor?
0:054:15100 Hour Two-Stroke Outboard Engine Service - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you release the upper drain. Screw. Then you would tilt the engine. Down. Okay the secondMoreAnd then you release the upper drain. Screw. Then you would tilt the engine. Down. Okay the second step is going to be removing. The spark plug boots.
How much does it cost to swap an outboard motor?
Boat type. An inboard powerboat engine replacement costs approximately $15,000, while you should set aside about $5,000 to $10,000 to replace the motor for a sailboat.
Why are there no outboard motors for sale?
“In 2020, there were over 370,000 outboard motors sold in this country, and nearly that many new boats. Demand is still high, but there is a lack of product to supply it.”
Why are there no new outboard motors?
New boats are being sold with used motors on them just to get the hulls off the lot. The supply chain disruption is still ongoing. Some subcontractors that use to make minor parts are out of business so other companies are now having to reverse engineer those parts to supply the manufacturers.
How much does a boat engine overhaul cost?
An inboard powerboat engine replacement costs approximately $15,000, while you should set aside about $5,000 to $10,000 to replace the motor for a sailboat. If you have a sailboat with an outboard motor, you will pay significantly less, somewhere around $1,500, because this vessel uses wind as the first power source.
How much does it cost to rebuild a 150 outboard?
Rebuild Your Outboard Remanufactured powerheads typically come with a 1 year warranty. Using a 150hp Yamaha outboard as a comparison, a remanufactured powerhead block will cost around $4,000 and a new replacement lower drive will be $1,100.
When should a marine engine be rebuilt?
Replacing. A typical diesel inboard engine is designed for about 5,000 hours of use before it needs a serious rebuild or overhaul. If you run your engine 200 hours per year - a lot for seasonal, recreational sailors - it could last twenty-five years before a rebuild.
How much does a new powerhead cost?
Going price for a Merc 200 hp Rebuilt powerhead on Scream and Fly is from $1500 to $2500, plus you will have probably $200-$300 in shipping.
How to make boat repairs easier?
Here are a few steps you can take to make boat repairs easier. Invest in a marine tool kit. You can get the basic supplies you need. Things like wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, vise grips, duct tape and a hammer.
What to do if your fishing belt breaks?
Broken belts can be replaced with temporary solutions. Old fishing line, strings from swim suits, even a duct tape belt. Secure the ends with a square knot and get to safety asap.
How to check if your engine is blocked?
Check the water pump as you flush the engine. Use your hand to get a feel for the flow. You should have a warm, strong flow. Not hot, and not very weak, either. If the flow seems weak, you have a blockage. If that is the case, shut the engine down.
What to do if your belt is cracked?
Inspect belts and replace any that are cracked and worn.
What to check for corrosion in fuel tank?
Check the clamps and the fuel tank for corrosion.
Is Boat Safe a community supported site?
Boat Safe is a community supported site. We may earn comission from links on this page, but we have confidence in all recommended products.
Can you be a marine engine expert?
No one expects you to be a marine engine expert. But knowing how to prevent or adapt to a breakdown can save a lot of time and money. Preventive maintenance is best, and in the moment repairs can go a long way towards saving the day.
How much does it cost to rebuild an outboard motor?
Rebuilding your engine will cost around $2,500. That difference of $1,000 to $2,000 will buy a lot of gas, so consider carefully.
What engines were built after 2000?
Engines built after 2000 are typically four-strokes (Honda, Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha) or direct-injected (DFI) two-strokes (Evinrude, Mercury, Tohatsu and Yamaha). They’re more expensive to buy than their older brethren, and they have a higher cost when rebuilding an outboard motor because they’re more complicated.
Can you replace an outboard engine?
Whether it's a kicker or a big V-6 engine, you'll eventually be faced with replacing your tired outboard engine. If a new engine isn't in the cards, repairing your existing engine or purchasing a rebuilt outboard motor can be a reasonable alternative. Here are some important considerations based on my experience as an outboard technician.
Can you rebuild an 80's outboard?
If it's an '80s engine with some or all the features previously mentioned, and a new engine is out of the question, rebuilding can be a good option that will add years to your old outboard's life. Finally, if you boat in a saltwater environment, forget about any engine that's more than a decade old.
Is Your Outboard Engine Too Old to Rebuild?
If your outboard motor was built in the 1980s to the early 2000s, chances are it has these features:
What is the danger of a motor?
the danger is the motor could over-speed and run away and throw a rod thru the block.
What is the cheapest thing to put in a motor?
Oil is the cheapest thing you can put in a motor.
Do you crank a carb after a rebuild?
Make sure you also check to make sure your fuel pump, tank, and tank hose and such are perfectly clean, along with a spotless carb set. You don't want to crank it for the first time after the rebuild and get crud in a carb from dirty lines or dirty fuel pumps, causing it to run lean.
Is 50:1 oil enough for a V-4?
I think one problem with these V-4 models, is 50:1 is not quite enough oil for these, since they run at higher rpms a lot. It's not like grandpa's old 10hp that putts around the lake. These bigger motors work hard most of the time, even after sitting for months. I personally would put 32:1 mix in a motor, like this.
Can you rebuild a powerhead on eBay?
Rebuilding or used powerhead sounds like the only options to me. I personally would be somewhat leery of a REBUILT powerhead off ebay for too cheap, since it takes money to rebuild one , although you might get a great deal, too. I'd probably go with a used one with good compression. ONe I rebuilt myself would be nice, too. Sometimes if you're lucky, you can find cheap pistons and cranks and rods and such on ebay if you need 'em.
