How to Protect Outboard Power Head?

A power head can be found on the outboard motor of a boat; it is more common on small boat than a large one. The outboard motor is a system that propels the boat and helps to guide steering and direction. The power head is an integral part of the outboard motor, as it helps to hold all of the parts together.

The job of the power head on an outboard motor is to keep all of the pieces of the outboard motor intact. The power head is also the central piece that helps to protect the engine from damage. The piece contains parts such as gaskets, nuts and bolts.

Power heads need to be cleaned due to salt water and debris buildup. They usually need to be repaired or replaced at least once during the lifetime of the boat. Failing to clean, repair or replacing the power head can lead to engine problems or failure. Removing the power head yourself can be very difficult. The power head is very heavy, making it difficult to move and easily broken.

A four-stroke requires engine oil, while a two-stroke relies on oil injection. Maintenance is required for both. With the two-stroke, you need to regularly fill the oil-injection reservoir, and periodically clean the filter screen. With a four-stroke, oil and oil-filter changes are required at regular intervals. Four-stroke engines also require periodic valve adjustments to ensure efficient operation. Check your owner's manual for this scheduled service; when it's time, have a qualified outboard technician handle it.

A maintenance item you can perform is flushing the engine with fresh water after each outing. Many engines have special ports for attaching a garden hose to rinse the internal cooling-water passages without running the engine. If you keep your boat on a trailer, you can use a flushing attachment known as “ear muffs.” It goes around the water pickups to supply fresh water from a garden hose while you run the engine in neutral at idle speed for a few minutes to flush away any salt.