- Check the spark plugs before you start out
- Change the fuel in the engine regularly
- Change the water pump impeller
- Frequent lubrication
- Remove debris in the outboard motor after each outing
- Check for fuel leaks after each trip
- Use anti-corrosion spray
- Use a skeg guard
- How to repair an outboard motor
Full Answer
How to unclog an outboard motor?
clinker, see if there is a blanking plug into the water jacket at a high point on the engine or remove thermostat housing. pour neat vinegar into the opening and if it takes an easy route out block it off with gaffa tape or similar. depending on location of blockage the vinegar may come out at exhaust or water inlet near prop.the idea is to fill the water jacket with the vinegar and leave for a couple of days.
How to hoist up your outboard motor?
When the Swing-Lift approaches the vertical position you may find that you can cleat the halyard and simply swing the motor and Swing-Lift forward with your hand to complete the operation. The Swing-Lift is designed to support the weight of the motor in the vertical position without any halyard tension.
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 to manually lower outboard motor?
How to Manually Raise an Inboard Outboard Motor
- Turn the engine off. Check the throttle and ensure it is in neutral. ...
- Reach to the back of the engine housing to the back transom -- the very back edge of the boat. ...
- Stand at the back of the boat and have an assistant stand to the other side. ...
- Push the lock pins you unscrewed from the motor through the trim settings in the cowling area. ...
How much does it cost to repair an 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.
Is it worth rebuilding an old 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It's too old, parts likely too scarce, and technology is way out of date.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.
What causes outboard motor not to fire on all cylinders?
What To Do If Your Outboards Not Running On All Cylinders? This is commonly due to the lack of one of three things. Either the cylinder isn't getting the proper amount of air, it's not getting fuel, or the spark plug is not firing in that cylinder.
How do you troubleshoot an outboard motor?
3:0511:10Outboard motor trouble shooting and maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso fuel suppliers can often have issues with their fuel supply storage during periods of excessiveMoreAlso fuel suppliers can often have issues with their fuel supply storage during periods of excessive rain we will first troubleshoot issues with fuel first we will drain the fuel filter.
How much does it cost to put a new motor on a boat?
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 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.
Why is my outboard turning over but not starting?
If you have checked the battery switch and charged the batteries, but your boat engine still won't start, check the battery cables. Make sure the connections that run between the engine and the battery are not loose or corroded. Reconnect or replace any battery cables that have become disconnected or damaged.
What would cause one cylinder not to fire?
The engine may be running poorly and one or more cylinders may be misfiring. The check engine light may come on or keep flashing. The most common cause for a misfire is a problem related to the ignition system. Misfiring can be caused by loss of spark; imbalanced air/fuel mixture; or loss of compression.
Why is my outboard not getting spark?
Engines with no spark or intermittent spark on one bank can be caused by a faulty stator. Nestled in with the stator under the flywheel is the trigger (or timer base).
How do you diagnose outboard starting problems?
2:113:31Diagnosing an Outboard That Won't Start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe next thing you want to check out is the starter solenoid. Now if you're hearing just a clickingMoreThe next thing you want to check out is the starter solenoid. Now if you're hearing just a clicking sound when you try to crank it that may be a sign that the solenoid has gone bad.
How do you tell if your outboard is flooded?
When you turn your outboard motor's ignition key and it won't start, then smell that stink of excess gas that indicates your outboard's flooded, your heart might sink a bit, as if abandoned at a party by a friend who's borrowed your car.
What would cause a boat not to start?
Water, dust, debris, and other items that get into the fuel system can even block the system. If there isn't enough clean fuel flowing to the engine, you can be sure that it will not start. In winter, ice water can mix with boat fuel. Any moisture in the water will prevent it from combusting and starting the engine.
Are old boat motors reliable?
The “good old” outboards—the ones that were built in the 1950s and later—are even better than those early, antique outboards. They are just as reliable, and a lot easier and cheaper to fix than state-of-the-art motors.
When should you rebuild a boat engine?
If the guts of your engine are good, if it's not burning lots of oil or guzzling more fuel than it used to, and still has plenty of get up and go, then repairs are usually worth the expense—and cheaper than the alternative. But if something goes awry inside the engine, you're looking at a rebuild.
How can I make my old outboard faster?
1:012:142 Tips to Keep Old Outboards Running Strong - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fuel. So for long-term storage. Whether you're winterizing it up north or whether you're doingMoreThe fuel. So for long-term storage. Whether you're winterizing it up north or whether you're doing other things down south. It's great and it's not going to allow that fuel water separation.
How can I make my 2 stroke outboard better?
Five Ways to Make Your Outboard Engine Perform BetterFocus on Fuel. Ethanol-spiked fuel is the modern outboard engine's arch nemesis. ... Focus on Filters. Did you know that a Yamaha F300 has not one, not two, but as many as nine separate fuel filters onboard? ... Focus on Fluids. ... Know Your Service Mechanic.
What causes an outboard engine to leak?
With time, all of these connections tend to start leaking or allow air to get sucked in. Cheap fuel lines, hose clamps, and connectors commonly cause problems with your outboard engine. QUICK FIX: First, squeeze the ball as you watch the fitting between the engine and the line, the barb and the hose, the barb on either end of the ball, ...
When will outboard engines be available in 2021?
May 31, 2021. Modern outboard engines have come a long way, whether you’re talking about the now-common four-stroke or modern DFI motors. In both cases, reliability is far better than it was in decades past, fuel efficiency has increased, and problems like smoky exhaust and ear-splitting sound levels are ancient history.
Why is my boat pump impeller clogged?
But more often than not, the issue arises because the tell-tale is clogged with grit, mud, or a bit of seaweed the engine picked up. If you don’t know which is the cause, you’ll have to pull the boat and head for the mechanic. Bummer.
Why does my engine crank but never catch?
This could be due to a number of reasons (before you do anything check to make sure the shifter’s in neutral, of course), but when it doesn't even seem to try to catch, there’s a good possibility your emergency cut-off switch has gone bad.
What happens if a fitting goes bad?
If the fitting itself has gone bad, you can sometimes push it to one side or the other to temporarily get the engine running. Once you do so, the draw of the engine is often enough to keep the flow of fuel moving.
Why is my boat motor not working?
The most common causes are a bad impeller or low engine oil. Or, it could also be caused by a sweltering day with heavy usage. When this is the case, you should simply leave the engine off for a while and allow it to cool.
What happens if a boat propeller is damaged?
A damaged propeller will have bends, dents, or other obvious signs of wear. These dings can negatively impact how efficiently your motor propels your boat. Unfortunately, a damaged propeller will need to be replaced.
How to tell if your impeller is bad?
You can check for a bad impeller by removing the impeller from the stainless steel cup that holds it. Common signs of damage are deformities, such as bent or curved fins and chunks of rubber missing. The damage you see may help you pinpoint the issue.
Why does my impeller bend?
Friction is causing the impeller to bend. Most commonly, there is something blocking your water intake. Locate the intake and clean out impacted mud, debris, or pollution. If you have a snake or rod to clean out the intake, you can quickly solve this problem.
How to tighten spark plugs?
Apply dielectric grease to the tips of your new spark plugs and insert, carefully tightening them by hand. You may then use the torque wrench to further tighten the plugs according to your owner’s manual specifications. Apply dielectric grease to the spark plugs’ ends and secure the spark plug boots in place.
Why is my impeller missing chunks?
If chunks are missing from the impeller, you likely have an underuse issue. When the impeller sits for a long time, it becomes brittle and susceptible to breaks. If this is the case, the impeller needs to be replaced. A deformed impeller is a sign that water is not adequately moving through the cooling system.
How to get rid of spark plug buildup?
The Solution: Fuel, dirt, and other substances can foul a spark plug and prevent it from igniting. Remove the plugs to inspect them and their wires. Most residue can be removed with a rag; however, significant buildup will need to be scraped off. Do this very carefully— damaging the plugs will render them useless.
When was the Outboard Motor built?
If your outboard motor was built in the 1980s to the early 2000s, chances are it has these features: Power trim and tilt (a must-have for skiing, fishing, docking and storage) Oil injection (allows for much easier fueling, and it pollutes far less than pre-mixing gas and oil for two-stroke outboards) Primer starting, versus chokes (an electric ...
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.
Is an outboard engine too old?
The outboard engine is too old, parts are likely scarce, and the technology is dated. 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. ADVERTISEMENT.
Can piston rings fix water intrusion?
New piston rings have never fixed water intrusion problem, I'm not convinced your analysis is correct. Revving up on a hose will not usually cause the problems you have, the danger is the motor could over-speed and run away and throw a rod thru the block. You didn't post the rpms you ran it at.
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.