New used outboard motor - tips for keeping it nice

BentMetal · 03-12-2006, 06:41 PM

So I recently bought an outboard motor for my drift boat. I boat a good used 6 horsepower johnson outboard and just wanted to know all the ins and outs of keeping it nice. Note that I have almost no prior knowledge, except for flushing the engine out after using it in saltwater bays crabbing and trolling for salmon.

But what about gas . . . do you run it all out of the engine when your done for the day, or just unplug the tank and leave some in the carborateur. Storing it . . . do you need to store it upright, or can it be laid down handle side down? Is there any good ways to flush it out at home?

Thanks for any ideas thrown my way!

GSD · 03-12-2006, 07:17 PM

Best thing you can do is to get an owners manual for it. All the questions you listed would be answered there, along with operating instructions and maintenance schedules, etc..

William

Captain Starbuck · 03-14-2006, 06:41 AM

Some other things to look for especially if used in the salt would be to check the zinc. Pull the cowl off and let it thoroughly dry out on the next nice day and then take some silicone lube, spray it on a rag and wipe down the engine. Silicone will help keep the water off of everything. I'm sure guys know of better stuff, that's just what I use. Also, everytime you take apart ANYTHING on the engine, reinstall it with some grease or antiseize on the threads.