Table of Contents
What does an outboard tune-up consist of?
A tune-up can also be a yearly maintenance event at the time of winterization or during the spring before using the outboard. A general tune-up includes a compression test, spark plug service, water pump check, fuel system and ignition system service.
How often should you tune-up your outboard motor?
Most outboard, sterndrive and gasoline inboard engines require basic service every 100 hours or annually.
How often should you change outboard spark plugs?
Some boaters are adamant about changing their spark plugs every year or 100 hours. PartsVu recommends religiously inspecting your spark plugs annually or every 100 hours, replacing them if they are fouled or damaged, and always replacing them every 300 hours.
How often should you tune up your boat?
Boat Motor Repair — How Often? If you use your boat year-round, plan on a tune-up at least twice per year and preferably once every two to three months if you use your motor more often. The more you use the motor, the more maintenance it will need.
What maintenance does a 2 stroke outboard need?
Lubricate the engine tilt and steering grease points every 100 hours or annually (whichever is less). Check for engine corrosion, and replace the sacrificial anodes if they are corroded more than 50 percent. Clean the exterior with boat soap and apply a good wax job. Inspect the propeller for dents and dings.
Why is my 2 stroke outboard smoking so much?
Boat motors, especially two-strokes, commonly smoke because of an improper fuel to oil ratio or when the motor runs rich on fuel. When this happens, excessive blue-tinged smoke will come out the exhaust port, indicating too much oil is burning directly in the combustion chamber.
How do you know if your outboard spark plugs are bad?
A fouled spark plug occurs when the plug isn’t burning fuel normally, leaving damage to the plug which can cause the engine not to start. A normal spark plug will appear dry with a grayish color. If the plug is black with soot, it can mean that the fuel has too much oil while an eroded plug can indicate a too-hot plug.
How do you fine tune an outboard motor?
Turn the idle mixture screw counterclockwise 1/4-turn at a time until you hear the engine begin to stall out, and turn it clockwise 1/4-turn. Adjust the idle mixture screw by turning it clockwise 1/4-turn at a time until it starts to stall again and turn it back counterclockwise 1/4-turn.
How long does a boat tune up take?
Time: about 3 hours. Whatever brand or size outboard you have, use the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. Follow any specific recommendations and use any special applicable procedures. Use only specified lubricants and replacement parts; if you use different ones you’ll void your warranty.
How long can a boat sit without running?
One of the most commonly-asked questions we get is, “Is it okay if my boat isn’t running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” The answer is yes—but you have to do some maintenance beforehand. As long as it’s well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades.
How often do you change the oil in a boat?
Most engine manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 50-100 hours (check your owner’s manual for your engine’s exact interval requirements). This applies to both gasoline and diesel engines.
Can outboard motor run out of water?
Note: Never start an outboard motor without a water supply—it must either be in the water or connected to a hose providing water. Water lubricates the vanes of the rubber water pump impeller, and running the motor without a water supply for even a few seconds can damage or destroy the impeller.
Should outboard spark plugs be wet?
They should be dry. Two strokes due have a tendency to load up if you idle them for a bit. When you rev it up, or run it, it should dry them up. If a plug gets too wet, it wil foul.
Can I clean spark plugs with wd40?
Ensure the engine is off and cool and spray WD-40 Multi-Use Product on a clean, soft cloth and rub over the chosen area or spray the spark plug wires and the inside and outside of your distributor cap with WD-40. You can also use it to ease the removal of spark plugs, especially if there is any rust or corrosion.
How do you know if a plug is fouled?
What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing? Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. Trouble starting. Car won’t start and you’re late for work… Flat battery? Engine misfiring. Engine surging. High fuel consumption. Lack of acceleration.
Why should a boats gas tank never be completely filled?
It’s important to never fill the tank of your boat beyond 90% full. This leaves room for gas to expand and avoids the potential for overflow. Ensure that all air vents and valves to the gas tank are open.
Should I store my boat with a full tank of gas?
Marine engine manufacturers and technicians advise storing any boat with the fuel tank almost full, leaving just a little capacity to accommodate expansion of the fuel if the temperature warms. The tank “breathes” though its vent, and draws in air that is often very damp in the winter months.
How many hours do boat motors last?
The average marine gasoline engine runs for 1,500 hours before needing a major overhaul. The average marine diesel engine will run for more than three times that long and log an average 5,000 hours under the same conditions.
