Regular maintenance is at the core of ensuring a long-life for the heart of your boat, the outboard engine.
There are a number of common issues which may arise with your outboards. We are going to run through the most prolific, how to treat them and most important, how to go about avoiding them altogether.
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The Engine stopped without warning
The first points to confirm and check are the fuel gauge of your outboard, make sure that you have not run out of gas while on the water, it has happened to all of us. If that is fine and it is a further challenge, check your outboard killswitch.
It is very easy to accidentally flip the switch while doing other chores nearby and brushing up against it. If this too is not the problem, you could search for an obvious loose wire or connection.
A professional could be needed at this point.
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The outboard is running out of gas
Check your fuel gauge for accurateness as they often go faulty. If your gauge seems fine, perform a thorough inspection on your outboard for leaks.
Check the following points on your gauge:
- Check the voltage: Use a multimeter to ensure the gauge is receiving power from the boat's power supply. The gauge should receive a steady reading of around 12V or 24V.
- Check that it is grounded: Use a multimeter set to ohms to check the ground of the gauge. Make sure you get a ‘no resistance’ reading
- Test the sender: Connect the sender terminal to the ground terminal. Ensure that the gauge is giving you a full reading, if not it has gone bad and needs replacing.
- Check the float: Bad readings can be caused by a rusted float arm, and needs to be checked.
- Fuses and wiring: Make sure that all fuses and wiring is in order
- Inspect the sending unit: Have a look at the sending unit for any issues
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The engine will not start.
Check for an electrical issue as your first point. It is possible that there is a break in the ignition circuit or that your battery has run low or dead.
Check your circuit and test the strength of your battery using a voltmeter or load tester.
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The engine is sputtering
Very often older outboard engines need their plugs and filters replaced. When these get old and wear out they cause the sputtering in the engine due to a restricted flow.
Check these regularly as they need to be replaced more frequently in older outboards.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent any unforeseen events and extend the life of your outboard engine is by keeping up with regular engine care and routine maintenance.
Regularly flush your outboard engine after each use. Flushing helps remove salt, sand and other debris that can accumulate in the cooling system. Use a flushing product such as Flush-m
and/or a desalting product such as salt away.
Most outboard engines will need a basic service after every 100 hours of use or each year, whichever comes soonest
Keep a minor toolkit for simple fixes onboard your boat in emergencies. It is also a very good idea to keep a small stock of replacement parts such as spark plugs for your outboard.
It is also wise to keep a small, spare can of gas, just in case.
A professional servicing may be needed for most boat owners, however those who are experienced with servicing outboards may be able to take care of part changes, replacement and cleaning on their own with only little assistance from the owners’ manual.
A professional service will attend to everything your outboard may need. In combination with the steps outlined above you can keep this service quick and cost-effective with a smaller likelihood of major challenges.
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