Outboard Motor Cleaning Care & Maintenance

After all, regular maintenance can dramatically extend the life of your outboard, whether it's used in fresh or salt water. You can find all the care products, tools, and other accessories you need for your boat's engine maintenance in our Engines, Technology category.

How do you clean an outboard motor?

Clean your outboard regularly to keep it running smoothly. Otherwise, dirt can get stuck and clog it. This, as well as algae, chemicals and salt must be removed from the cooling system. It is especially important to prevent salt deposits from building up. A flush can be used for this purpose while the motor is out of the water. Power washers are used for outboard cleaning and maintenance work, and are usually connected to a garden hose and fresh water supply.

Flush How do you use a flush to clean an outboard motor?

If your engine has been out of the water for a longer period of time, it makes sense to flush it. This not only applies to use in salt water, but also fresh water containing sand, gravel or dirt. Flush your outboard with a flusher. Alternatively, you can also place the motor in a barrel of water and rinse it there.

Checklist for washing the engine:

• Connect the flush to the bottom of the outboard and connect a garden hose. The more flexible the hose, the better.
• To avoid motor damage, do not open the faucet to more than approximately ¼ of the maximum possible water pressure.
• Let the engine warm up to operating temperature so the thermostat opens and the water flushes the cooling system.
• Check the water pump and make sure enough water is being pumped through the hose. Carefully place a finger through the stream of water (indicator). The water should be warm, but not hot.
• When flushing the outboard motor, loosen the fuel connection so that the motor burns the remaining fuel in the carburetor.
• Clean outboard motor and spray with corrosion protection. Protect the outboard motor with a tarp or cover between uses.

Is the outboard drain line blocked?

If the telltale stream is not very strong, it could be because dirt has built up in the drain line. In this case, turn off the outboard motor immediately to prevent overheating and damage. Try to loosen the dirt by moving a piece of wire back and forth in the drain pipe. Restart the outboard and check the gauge for water flow. If the problem persists, a new water pump may be required.

Outboard Motor Maintenance

Not only should you regularly clean your outboard motor, maintenance and care are also detrimental to prolonging the life and functionality of your outboards. Regular checks can prevent major damage and prevent problems from occurring at an early stage. In our online store you will find all the tools and spare parts you need for the care and maintenance of your outboard motor. Our service kits have proven to be especially useful for boat engines. / Cleaning Care and Maintenance of the outboard motor

Outboard Motor Service and Maintenance Checklist:

• Check the fuel line regularly for cracks and signs of wear. We supply fuel lines that are compatible with almost all outboard models. Make sure the pump ball has no cracks and moves.
• Make sure the fuel connections to the lines are properly seated and not leaking.
• Check the hose clamps on the fuel line for rust or corrosion.
• The outer tank: check if the fuel tank is damaged. Check the tank vent to make sure it is working properly. Check the tank regularly to see if there is water in the fuel. This is particularly important for fuels containing ethanol.
• If your outboard has a clear fuel strainer, check to see if water has collected there. The water collects as a clear layer at the bottom of the strainer. If present, remove the water.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the trim system and the steering system lube points every 100 hours or annually (whichever comes first).
• Check the outboard for corrosion and replace the sacrificial anodes if they are more than 50% corroded. More information can be found in the guide under sacrificial anode review.
• Change engine oil and replace oil filter if present.
• Replace the water pump impeller after every 300 hours of use or every 3 years (more often if the outboard is used in waters where sand can enter the cooling circuit).
• Check the outboard motor for minor paint damage. Remove rust or blisters as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
• Inspection / Cleaning Care and Maintenance of the outboard motor.

What to look out for during your outboard motor inspection.

During the warranty period, always have your outboard motor serviced by an authorized dealer, using the entries in the service booklet. If any warranty claim is made, the specified inspection intervals must have been observed; otherwise the warranty claim is invalid . After the warranty period has expired, you can also carry out repairs and inspections yourself using an inspection plan, which is usually supplied with the product.