Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Outboard Engine

Outboard motors power most saltwater fishing crafts today. They're the clear choice for anglers because they have excellent power to weight ratios and require little maintenance. However, regular cleaning and maintenance are still needed to keep your motor running smoothly. Check out our inventory of outboard motors and other watercraft accessories at LMC Marine Center in Houston, Texas. Feel free to visit if you come from Conroe, Texas, as well. 

Outboard Motor Cowl

The outboard cowl or hood sits overtop of the motor and protects it. The rubber seal and latches prevent water from leaking in. Routinely check the seal and latches to ensure they are working correctly. The cowl's baffled intake allows air to flow inside while expelling any water that could seep in. 

The Engine

Going down through the outboard parts, next is the engine itself and all of its components. You should flush the engine with fresh water after every trip. You can use a flushing attachment called "earmuffs." With fresh water from a garden hose, this device provides water to the water pickups while you run the engine in neutral for a few minutes to flush away the salt.

Most engines are four-stroke engines, but they can also come in V-6 and V-8. Most sit on end in a vertical orientation with the crankshaft. The four-stroke engine needs engine oil to function, and a two-stroke engine uses oil injection. You must keep TC-W3 oil in the reservoir and regularly clean the filter screen for a two-stroke motor.

Maintenance is slightly different for a four-stroke motor, requiring oil and oil-filter changes with FC-W oil. Another maintenance task with a four-stroke engine is periodic valve adjustments. Consult your owner's manual for the correct time requirement with your outboard motor, and have a professional complete it. 

Throttle and Shifter

If you've got an older outboard model, you will need to periodically check the mechanical cables running from the helm to the powerhead. Lubricate these cables if needed. Your owner's manual will have more instructions and time requirements. 

Another critical item to remember is to avoid fuels with ethanol content. Even a small amount of ethanol can cause problems with the motor. When the ethanol combines with water in the fuel tank, it creates a non-combustible substance that can cause significant harm to the engine. 

With this guide, you can give your outboard boat engine the proper care it needs. So you can make it last longer and enjoy more trips on the water. Contact us at LMC Marine Center in Houston, Texas, for more information on the maintenance of outboard motors. We also serve customers from Conroe, Texas!