- 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 tune an outboard motor?
- Better control
- Improved acceleration
- Increased fuel economy
- Gains of between 8-15% power in petrol engines
- up to 30% increases in power and torque in diesel engines as well as
- 8 – 20% improved fuel consumption
How to install stabilizer fin on outboard motor?
Installing Hydrofoil Stabilizers. For the most part, many stabilizer products require you to attach the hydrofoil directly to the outboard motor fin with included bolts. This process can go smoother if you have the correctly sized drill bits in advance to help create the holes to attach the stabilizer in place.
How to adjust carbs on an outboard motor?
How to Adjust Carbs on an Outboard Motor
- Submerge the lower end unit into a larger rubber container filled with water. ...
- Unclasp the top engine cowl. Remove the spark arrestor, or air cleaner system, with a socket if it impedes access to the carburetor.
- Place a small engine tachometer clip lead around the number one cylinder spark plug. ...
Can a broken skeg be repaired?
Some shops offer welding to fix a broken skeg, which has two inherent issues. First, the cost is usually over $300 out of your pocket. Secondly, many shops who do not specialize in lower units do not have the extensive experience to weld aluminum, which is a much more finicky metal to work with.
How do you fix a broken boat skeg?
0:226:18Skeg Repair (Outboard Motor) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's also a good idea. When you're doing this to change the water pump. Save some labor. First thingMoreIt's also a good idea. When you're doing this to change the water pump. Save some labor. First thing I'm going to do is take the prop off so we can work with it a little better. Here.
How do you fix a bent skeg on an outboard motor?
0:387:17How to Repair a Bent Skeg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWithout trying to make a weak spot. It's going to bring it back a little bit more naturally. AndMoreWithout trying to make a weak spot. It's going to bring it back a little bit more naturally. And it's going to retain some of the majority of its strength this way.
Does a damaged skeg affect performance?
Easily repair a broken skeg on your outboard or sterndrive. The skeg of an outboard or sterndrive gear case provides much directional stability and steering ease. Whether caused by running aground or due to some land-bound calamity, a broken or damaged skeg adversely affects handling.
Can you put a skeg guard on a broken skeg?
Megaware SkegGuard ® protect and prevent damage to your motor's skeg or repair and replace an already broken skeg.
How do you weld skeg?
1:1411:34How to fix an outboard motor skeg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we take our replacement skeg normally if it was missing the whole skeg. This we just weld thisMoreSo we take our replacement skeg normally if it was missing the whole skeg. This we just weld this replacement. On sometimes we'll cut them in half like i drew a line.
How important is the skeg on an outboard motor?
Protecting your boat's skeg is critical if you want to prevent costly repairs and increase the life of your motor. For many boat enthusiasts, one of the easiest ways to prevent skeg damage from underwater impacts on rocks and other objects is to install a skeg guard.
What is the bottom fin on an outboard motor called?
The skeg is the lowest point on an outboard motor (pictured above). It acts as a precise rudder, which allows your boat to turn safely and effectively. It also protects the propeller from getting caught in debris in the water or other hazards the boat may come in contact with.
What is the purpose of a skeg?
A “skeg” is an aftward extension of the keel intended to keep the boat moving straight and to protect the propeller and rudder from underwater obstructions.
Do you need a skeg guard?
A skeg guard could prevent the need to take your boat in to the shop at all, or at least reduce the extent of the damage you sustain in an underwater impact. Not all skeg guards have this benefit, but thanks to the Hydro-Shield's design as a skeg guard and hydrofoil, you can spend less on fuel.
What is the fin on the lower unit called?
Senior Member. Re: Fin on lower unit is gone. that is called a sacrificial anode, they will be eaten away over time, there readily available at any Boater's World or West marine and they cost $100 million dollars.
What is a cavitation plate?
Cavitation plates are mounted to the lower units of boats to help increase performance. They act as a planing surface to get your boat on top faster. They give you better bow response when trimming your motor. They keep water down at your prop and intake improving water pressure.
What is the purpose of a skeg?
A “skeg” is an aftward extension of the keel intended to keep the boat moving straight and to protect the propeller and rudder from underwater obstructions.
What is the fin on the bottom of a boat motor called?
The skeg is the lowest point on an outboard motor (pictured above). It acts as a precise rudder, which allows your boat to turn safely and effectively. It also protects the propeller from getting caught in debris in the water or other hazards the boat may come in contact with.
What is a cavitation plate?
Cavitation plates are mounted to the lower units of boats to help increase performance. They act as a planing surface to get your boat on top faster. They give you better bow response when trimming your motor. They keep water down at your prop and intake improving water pressure.
What does skeg stand for?
Definition of skeg 1 : the stern of the keel of a ship near the sternpost especially : the part connecting the keel with the bottom of the rudderpost in a single-screw ship. 2 : a fin situated on the rear bottom of a surfboard that is used for steering and stability.
How to clean a skeg?
Wipe clean with a solvent-dampened rag. Using a plastic or wooden mallet, or tapping with a hammer and a scrap of wood, tap the SkegGuard into place over the old skeg and check everything for a proper fit. Tap it firm enough to make sure it is well-seated on the stub of the original skeg.
How much stub do you need for a skeg guard?
A SkegGuard requires at least 3 inches of stub remaining from the original skeg in order to be affixed. Don't cut off too much. Use a mill-bastard file and/or an abrasive Scotch-Brite pad to deburr the cut edges of the outboard or sterndrive's skeg stub. Use a stiff-wire brush to clean off metal bits and filings.
Can a welder repair a skeg?
Whether caused by running aground or due to some land-bound calamity, a broken or damaged skeg adversely affects handling. In some cases, a welder can repair your skeg.
Can you replace the water pump impeller on an outboard motor?
Removing the gear case also gives you a chance to replace the water-pump impeller, housing and gasket to ensure max cooling performance. It’s relatively easy on most outboards. Check your owner’s manual and do-it-yourself videos on the Web for your brand of motor. Be sure to keep the bolts and washers that connect the lower unit to the midrange section of your outboard engine in a safe place (like a large cup) so they don’t get lost prior to reassembly.
How much does it cost to fix a motor without a skeg?
If you want it fixed call around to any of the local prop repair shops. Chances are they will be able to weld on a new one for you for about $100.
What is the purpose of skegs?
That's what I was taught too. The skegs primary function is to protect the prop from minor impacts. It also acts as a rudder as well.
How to smooth out sharp edges of a bent piece?
Take the grinder to it to lop off the bent piece and smooth out the sharp edges.
When did Ole Evinrude outboards change?
From a former Evinrude exec in a Engineering History article: Back then we didn?t make many changes in the outboards. Infact, the model that Ole Evinrude sold in 1909 remained approximately the same until about 1912 when he added a skeg on the gearbox to ward off obstructions.
Can you straighten aluminum skegs?
The aluminum gets really soft fast and is easy to straighten, just don't try with out getting it really hot, ah...to hot and they will melt like butter. and to those that say a bent skeg won't hurt anything....go and turn your trim tab hard to one side or the other and see how this effects your performance. J.
