Smart Tips To Help You Care for Your Outboard Motor

To ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your boat, it's important that your boat's outboard motor operates properly at all times. The best way to keep your motor running as it should is to maintain it seasonally and after every outing on the water. The boat experts at the Sports Center can help you maintain your boat engine for those times when you need a little extra assistance. Visit our location in Perry, Georgia, serving Macon and Columbus, to learn more.

Check for Cracks

Water, even freshwater, can cause major corrosion to the components in your outboard engine over time. One way that corrosion surfaces is in the form of cracks in your fuel line. A cracked fuel line can quickly cause your engine to shut down and could potentially be a fire hazard if left unchecked. To prevent running your engine with a cracked fuel line, it's a good idea to check the line for cracks each time you put your boat in the water.

Clear Out the Sludge

Even water that looks clear has a lot of hidden gunk in it. That's why you should try to flush out your engine after every boating trip. Using fresh water from the tap will sterilize the inner components of your engine so that they're ready to go the next time you want to head to the lake. While the engine is running, you can take that time to carefully look over the moving components of the engine to ensure they're operating correctly.

Lubricate Everything

One way to keep your engine in top condition both mechanically and aesthetically is to keep it well-lubricated. You can use a spray-on lubricant to ensure you evenly coat all of your outboard engine's components. While you're lubricating your engine, check to see if there are any unusually warm spots. If you notice excess heat, it could be a sign of excess friction, an indication that your engine is in need of repair.

Use Fuel Properly

While you can let fuel sit in your engine's fuel tank during the boating season, it is vital to remove any leftover fuel before you store your boat for the winter. If fuel sits in the tank all winter, it will be able to corrode all of the internal components as the water in the fuel separates from the gasoline. It's not worth it to save a few dollars on gasoline by leaving fuel in an untouched engine over several months.

Outboard engine maintenance should be a hands-on process that keeps you on top of the condition of your motor. If you have concerns about your engine, you can visit the Sports Center. We'd be happy to help you at our location in Perry, Georgia, serving Macon and Columbus.