Your outboard engine was hopefully winterized and now is ready for its annual service. You could take your outboard to your local marine mechanic to do this service. Or you might want to do the various tasks yourself if you are reasonably confident about your abilities. Each task is quite simple to do - nothing too difficult. You need a small selection of tools, some grease, lubricant spray, engine oil and gear oil. Once you have these things around you are ready to start!
There are quite a lot of little tasks to do when you are going to service your outboard engine.
If you use this checklist you should cover just about everything:
1. Change the gear oil - and while you are doing this see if any water has got through the seals.
2. Replace the spark plugs - some people just clean the old ones, but buy new.
3. Strip down and clean the fuel filter.
4. Strip down the water pump - clean any corrosion.
5. Check the flywheel nut and nuts around the cylinder head.
6. Check the recoil starter - lubricate it - also the pull rope for any wear.
7. Check the gear and throttle cables for any damage - lubricate all linkages.
8. Check the tilt mechanism - grease it and the clamp screws while you have the grease out.
9. Lubricate the prop shaft.
10. Bleed the auto lube pump - check for air in system.
11. Check the ignition timing - adjust if needed.
12. Adjust the carburetor pilot screws if they need it - otherwise leave as is.
13. Change the engine oil.
Start your outboard up after doing these tasks and listen to it. Check to see if water is exiting the exhaust. Then adjust the throttle - the engine should have a smooth pick from idle. The maximum revs should be achieved. Return to idle speed and check to see if does maintain its correct idle speed , now that the engine is hot. With the throttle working smoothly, check all other functions, including the stop button! Happy motoring!
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