We all know that feeling of summertime excitement, when the warmer weather starts to roll in and we can finally get back out on the water. But before you can enjoy those long days of boating fun, there’s some prep work that needs to be done first – especially if you’re getting your boat ready for the season after it’s been stored away all winter. In this post, we’ll go over some of the key steps you need to take to ensure your outboard motor is ready for a summer of fun on the water. So let’s get started!
1. Check The Oil Level
Maintaining an outboard motor is an essential part of motorboat safety. An important step in outboard maintenance is to regularly check the oil level and change it if necessary. To begin, make sure that the outboard has cooled down sufficiently before checking the oil level. Remove the outboard’s dipstick and wipe clean with a dry cloth or paper towel to get an accurate reading. Once the dipstick is reinserted and removed again, note the oil level—if it’s above or below the full line, you will need to add or drain out oil accordingly. Be sure to always use the specific type of oil recommended by your outboard manufacturer’s manual for maximum performance. Following these steps ensures that your outboard runs safely and smoothly, so remember to check your outboard’s oil level often!
2. Inspect The Fuel Line
Ensuring fuel lines are secure and not leaking is a crucial step when it comes to vehicle maintenance. It is important to use gloves and eye protection when inspecting fuel lines as fuel can be be corrosive and irritating to the skin. By checking fuel lines for cracks or leaks, you can avoid dangerous situations caused by fuel spilling into the engine compartment. Pay extra attention to any areas that show wear or are near moving parts like an belt or pulley. Anytime fuel leaks out, it should be collected in accordance with safety regulations and then disposed of properly. Taking care of fuel lines today can ensure your safety tomorrow.
3. Change The Spark Plugs (Electric Start Only)
Replacing your spark plugs is an essential part of good car maintenance, and it’s something that’s best not left too long. It’s relatively straightforward to do yourself if you have the right tools and a bit of professional know-how. Of course, safety should always be your top priority. To make sure you get the job done properly you’ll need to have a few basic tools such as a spark plug socket, ratchet wrench, plier, spark plug gap gauge, wire brush etc. With these things at hand you can replace those old spark plugs and give your car that extra oomph back again in no time!
4. Clean The Outboard Motor Propeller
Cleaning your outboard motor propeller is an essential part of ensuring its good condition. Leftover debris and barnacles can cause the propeller to corrode and become less efficient, resulting in slower speeds or reduced power when traveling. To clean the propeller effectively you should use a car washing brush, soapy water, and a soft cloth to clean off all the grime and residue that have built up over time. It is important to be gentle while scrubbing to avoid damaging it – use short back-and-forth strokes with the brush, avoiding circular motions that could scratch or gouge deeper into the propeller cavity. Taking care to clean your outboard motor propeller will go a long way to keeping it in top shape for years to come!
5. Inspect The Entire Motor For Corrosion Or Damage
When inspecting the engine for any corrosion or damage, it is important to pay close attention to battery cables, as they can easily corrode and cause issues with battery performance. Specifically, look for fraying, splitting or broken straps in battery terminals, abnormal amounts of corrosion on the battery posts and battery tray corrosion. If any of these signs are present, it is best to replace the battery cables so that your battery can perform at its optimal level. Additionally, you should also check the steering wheel housing, wiring harnesses and air intake system for any signs of damage as well. By regularly inspecting these components of your engine for damage or corrosion you can help make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
6. Test Run The Outboard Motor (Before Heading Out)
Testing out an outboard motor is a great way to make sure it will run properly and that all the parts are in good condition. Before starting the test run, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the motor and make sure any repairs are taken care of. During the test run, you should watch for anything unusual: strange noises, vibrations, or leaking fluids. Finally, take your time – going too fast can create dangerous conditions until you’re familiar with the boat’s capabilities and reactions. Make this trial run something enjoyable as you become more comfortable with your new/refurbished outboard motor.
There is one final thing to discuss and that is a pull start motor.
How Do I Install A New Pull Cord? – Marine Motor
If you own an outboard motor with a pull cord, chances are you’ve had to deal with a broken pull cord at some point. Pull cords can break for any number of reasons—over time, the cord can fray or become otherwise damaged due to wear and tear. Replacing the pull cord is not as hard as it may seem; in fact, it’s a relatively simple process that requires only basic tools and minimal effort. Here is how to get your outboard motor running again in no time.
Tools You Will Need:
Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:
• New pull cord (make sure it’s the same length and thickness as the old one)
• Pliers
• Wire cutters or scissors
• Screwdriver (depending on model)
• Masking tape (optional)
Replacing the Pull Cord
Once you have all of your items ready, follow these steps to replace your pull cord:
1. Unscrew the cover plate from the engine’s recoil housing using a screwdriver. This will expose the internal mechanisms of the motor.
2. Remove any remaining pieces of frayed cord from inside the recoil housing with pliers or wire cutters/scissors.
3. Take your new pull cord and tie a knot at one end, then thread it through both ends of the recoil spring located inside the recoil housing.
4. If desired, use masking tape to secure the knot at one end of inside the recoil housing so that it does not move around while you are working with it. This step is optional but recommended for added stability when replacing the pull cord.
5. Once everything is secure, screw back on the cover plate before testing out your new pull cord by pulling on it several times until it reaches its full length before releasing it back into place—this will ensure that everything is properly secured and connected before putting your boat back in action!
6. All done! Your outboard motor should now be ready for use once more!
Here is a guide for checking other parts of your boat so there are no surprises. I recommend keeping a copy on you boat. Click Below!
Final Thoughts
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your boat engine in good condition. By following the simple steps above, you can help ensure that your engine will last for years to come. Having a reliable engine will take a lot of anxiety out of your days on the water, trust me!
I hope this article helped. Cheers!