Outboard Motor Service and Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your outboard motor is a crucial part of prolonging its lifespan and ensuring optimal performance on the water. Here are some key service and maintenance steps to keep your outboard motor running smoothly.

Regular Inspection

Regularly inspecting your outboard motor can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. Check the propeller, fuel lines, spark plugs, fuel filter, and power trim fluid regularly.

Use Quality Fuel

Always use high-quality marine fuel in your outboard motors. Cheap or low-quality fuel can quickly lead to engine issues.

Winterize Your Outboard Motor

Winterizing your outboard motor is an excellent way to prevent corrosion during the off-season. Flush the engine with fresh water, fog the inside of the engine with storage oil and, depending on your engine type, store it upright or in an appropriate position.

Regular Oil Changes

Your outboard motor's oil needs to be changed regularly, typically every 100 hours or once a year. Always consult your owner's manual for specifics about oil changes for your particular model.

Professional Servicing

Professional servicing is crucial to maintaining the longevity of your motor. Certified technicians have specialized knowledge that enables thorough inspections and effective addressing of potential issues.

If you’re a boating enthusiast in Clackamas OR; Portland, OR; or Vancouver WA; then come visit us at Portland Marine & Electronics! We are dedicated to providing a wide range of marine electronics and offering expert advice based on years of experience in servicing and maintaining all types of marine tech equipment including outboard motors! We're located right here in Clackamas, OR, and understand how important having a reliable boat is, especially when cruising down our beautiful local rivers or heading out along the coastline.