Boat Motor Maintenance

FallRiverGuy · 02-19-2004, 10:00 AM

Other than changing the spark plugs and lower unit gear oil is there annual or semi-annual maintenance required on two stroke outboard motors. I have two Yamahas that are 6 years old and I was thinking of taking them to a shop to have them looked over. Does the timing need to be adjusted and if so is it easy to do at home? I was going to call the local shop but figured they would say of course it needs a check up and maybe not get a straight answer.

Chrome Bumper · 02-19-2004, 10:05 AM

Gas preserver and engine fogging for the winter. Maybe a new impeller if moored with the unit in the water or if sees a lot of salt.

FallRiverGuy · 02-20-2004, 08:13 AM

Bump.

So no one takes thier motor in to have the timing adjusted every few years?

El-Kabong · 02-20-2004, 08:21 AM

FRG,

I would if you think it needs it. I recentally bought a used outboard, not sure when it was last "serviced" but I used it last year and this winter I decided to have a it serviced.

Since the servicing I can tell that the motor runs much better (ran pretty well to begin with). I think that I will probably have it serviced every 2 years from here on out.

I believe that it is cheap (my motor servicing was about $200 at Stevens) insurance.

Motors that mechanical objects subject to wear and tear. hence they need periodic attention to keep them running well. Plus a problem can be discovered and corrected before you total your motor.

[ 02-20-2004, 10:45 AM: Message edited by: El-Kabong ]

trap50 · 02-20-2004, 08:39 AM

I take mine in every other year for a full service. The check fuel system compression ect. They recommend every 3 years to have the impeller serviced depending on use maybe sooner.

WaterDog · 02-20-2004, 08:42 AM

I just had my SJ in for a partial 100 hour service. They checked the timeing and all was fine after 3 years and 112 hrs. I change plugs and filters every 50 hours myself. Otherwise if it aint broke, don't fix it. Don't forget to maintain your battery(s) as well.

Smj · 02-20-2004, 08:50 AM

F R Guy...Be sure and keep the zirks and the steering slide tube on the motor lubed with the recomended lube. The prop shaft is also something you ought to lube up once a year, maybe more if you run in the salt. Every time before I go out, and when I come in I rotate the prop by hand and listen/feel for any theing funny, (grinding, hissing clunking etc.). Color, smell and texture of the lower end lube is a good indication of the health of the lower end.

I ran my Merc 75 for over 100 hours before I took it to Stephens for a tune-up. I took care of the plugs and lower end lube myself. A good indication of plugs needing replacement is when the motor starts "Sneezing", you might get a year or more out of your plugs. I just purchased the water pump for mine, I figure 200+ hours is a good time to replace it <Insurance>.

I really didn't notice and big difference in the way the motor ran after the minor tune, 'cept for maybe a little smoother idle. One BIG reason to get a tune-up is that they check compression/leakdown and rod drop. Those tests will tell you the over all health of main bearings, rods, pistons, rings and cylinders.

I believe if the motor idles smooth, doesn't miss at any range on the tach and turns the same RPMs and goes the same speed as it did a year ago that your in good shape.

Smj

Wreckless · 02-20-2004, 08:51 AM

I agree with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I have an '86 Yamaha 150 pump. I change the plugs/fuel filters and RUN IT!!!

Knock on aluminum, it's never been in the shop.