Outboard engines have been around since 1896 and have done a good job of getting smaller craft from point A to point B with simple efficiency. As time has gone by the simplicity of these motors has diminished as the technology advanced.

Two stroke motors function by completing a power cycle (intake, compression, power and exhaust) with one turn of the crankshaft and a resulting two strokes of the piston.

Over the past couple decades, outboard engines evolved from cranky, dirty, and somewhat unreliable devices into fully modern machines that rival or exceed the sophistication of auto engines.

After a long winter indoors many 2-stroke outboards are reluctant to start. A simple service should make yours more reliable.

Whatever brand or size outboard you have, use the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual.

Over the last few weeks I’ve encountered half a dozen anglers at the boat ramps early in the morning that are dealing with an outboard motor problem that can be easily avoided (and help protect your outboard from permanent damage as well).