Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Outboard Prevention Measures
Posted by wheaven on 06/26/06 - 8:02 PM
#1
Need pointers on the correct way to take care of an outboard engine after every saltwater use?
Posted by MW on 06/27/06 - 2:03 AM
#2
Hi,
This is what I do:
Make mrs. "mw" do everything (just kidding), after shutting down, raise the engine, put the "rabbit ears" on the motor with the hose on full ( I use one of those cheap "Garden store", plastic on/off valves just before the hose connects to the rabbit ears, makes it easier), lower the motor back into the water (or on trailer), start motor, flush for 2-3 minutes at "idle", shut off engine, raise motor, wash down motor and boat w/ hose, "ya done".
Posted by danedg on 06/28/06 - 8:27 AM
#3
My Dad did exactly what MW describes after every use on his 2000 Suzuki.
When I inherited that motor in 2005, the cooling system was so fouled from Marine "stuff", it wouldn't pass water and took an entire season of fresh water running and a new impeller to clean it up.
I highly recommend flushing the motor for a longer period with fresh water after use. Salt water is nasty stuff!
Posted by MW on 06/28/06 - 9:25 AM
#4
Just put your hand out and smell the water coming out of the "tell tale". If all the salt water is out, it will have a slight chlorine smell to it, you can flush the motor for the next 6 hours, it won't get any cleaner ! My last outboard lasted 16 years. Water pumps AND impellers should be changed every year, or at LEAST every two years in salt water use, going any longer is just asking for trouble !
mw
Edited by MW on 06/28/06 - 9:50 AM
Posted by wheaven on 06/29/06 - 1:43 PM
#5
Got it, get it, good since 1987 :D. I was refering to all the exterior components of the engine... Like, what will be a good product or best procedure to use after each salt water exposure. One thing I ususally do is practically cover the whole engine with CRC formula 6-56. Sorry but I guess I made the wrong question first. Your recomendations will be appreciated.
Posted by MW on 06/30/06 - 3:16 AM
#6
A light coat of car wax will work fine, and last longer than "CRC" (car wax has U.V. inhibitors as well in it), a cover works well too, grease all "Zirc" fittings (tilt hinge/tube, turn post) every 30 days, salt has a way of getting in, and caking up the grease passages, I learned this the hard way after the "Tilt/trim" stopped working (expensive repair). Flush and rinse off the motor after every use, the important part is "Fogging" the motor before you put it away for the season. I flush, fog, change spark plugs, replace lower unit oil, grease, change water pump, test, put battery away in the house NOT ON A CONCRETE FLOOR (it will discharge and ruin the battery), table is best. then I spray engine components with WD-40 or silicone spray (light coat).