How to Maintain an Outboard Motor

Boating is enjoyed by millions of people. If you own a boat, you want to keep it running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. An outboard motor, of course, hangs outside the hull of a boat. It requires certain care.

Instructions

1. Maintain an outboard motor carefully when you use it in salt water. Each time you return from a boating excursion on the ocean, for example, flush your outboard motor out with fresh water. This is important to keep the pump and lines from corroding due to salt-water exposure. Doing this will prolong the life of your motor.

2. Use care when your transport your boat in order to maintain your outboard motor. Be sure to put a brace on the motor and boat trailer. The brace keeps the motor from bouncing around as you travel. If you allow the motor to bounce, it can damage not only the motor, but the boat and trailer as well.

3. Disconnect the gas line and run all the gas out of the lines when you're ready to store your boat for the winter or for any extended period of time. This helps to maintain an outboard motor by keeping the carburetor clean.

4. Remember to check the oil in the foot of the motor. The foot is the bottom part where the propeller is located. The foot contains all the gears. Look to see if the oil is clean and make sure there's no water in it. You should check this once a year in order to help keep the motor running in top condition.

5. Check your pump periodically. The pump is a little round disc inside the motor. It has impellers on it that pump water through the engine to keep it cool. Check to make sure the impellers don't look worn in order to maintain an outboard motor.