Tips for Outboard Engine Care

It's easy to keep your outboard in tip-top shape, even if you're not a mechanic. A little TLC and preventive boat engine maintenance facilitates safe boating and can keep your engine running well and reliable for years to come.

After every outing, flush out the engine. This doesn't just apply to salt water adventures, but to fresh water outings as well.

Buy a set of "rabbit ears": two flexible rubber seals connected with a metal clamp. Slip the apparatus onto the lower unit where the water is picked up and attach a garden hose.

Start up the engine and let the water pump do the rest. (Practice safe boating and remember to stay clear of the prop and make sure no one tries to shift the motor into gear.)

After flushing the engine, disconnect the fuel line and allow the engine to burn all the fuel in the carburetor.

Every boat, no matter what the size is, needs to be maintained.  Luckily routine maintenance pays off and helps get your boat ready for the season.  To ensure the safety of your boat and its passengers, read about how to maintain a boat motor, and other boat motor maintenance tips below. 

Tune Your Prop Shaft

Regularly examine your propeller shaft to confirm that it turns freely.  A shaft which turns very stiffly could indicate problems with the your engine's alignment, strut, engine mounts or a bent shaft.  You should have a marine repair shop examine and repair a stiff prop shaft. 

Check Engine Hoses

All engine hoses should be checked periodically. If the hoses are starting to crack they should be replaced.