Preventing Corrosion on Your Yamaha® Outboard

Corrosion is a serious issue for an outboard motor. If you are not careful, you can end up with major damage on your Yamaha® outboard that can compromise its performance. Thankfully, you will see that there are multiple ways you can combat corrosion before it happens. Read more below about protecting your Yamaha outboard from corrosion on your boat. Head to Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, Oregon, and our team will show you around our complete inventory of boats, motors, and more. We welcome customers from Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. 

Spots to Pay Attention To

A Yamaha outboard can develop corrosion almost anywhere on its surface or inside. Corrosion is a potential danger to the fuel system and internal cooling water passages, as well as the electrical connections. Any exposed metal is also a potential area where corrosion can occur. Even if your outboard is not fully exposed to water, you should make sure to inspect it thoroughly after every trip.

The Dangers of "Dry Corrosion"

Dry corrosion can appear in spots that do not have any contact with water. The exhaust systems of your Yamaha outboard are one such area. Ethanol-enhanced fuel products sulfate salts as a by-product. This salt by-product is very corrosive at high temperatures. The corrosion occurs from the inside, where hot spots are created on the interior. One of the main ways to prevent this destructive dry corrosion is to flush the outboard engine regularly. 

Flushing Your Outboard

After each trip on your boat, develop the habit of taking clean water and flushing it through the outboard for at least 15 minutes. Your Yamaha outboard uses raw water to cool itself. Whether you are traveling on fresh or saltwater, there are contaminants that can damage the inside of your engine if it is not flushed. Saltwater is especially dangerous because deposits can form at high enough temperatures. Clean water flushed through the system will remove any of these contaminants before they can cause trouble

Corrosion on the Outside of Your Outboard

Preventing corrosion on the outside of a Yamaha outboard is easy if you stay vigilant. Develop the habit of regularly inspecting the outside of your motor. Learn to detect the signs of early corrosion. You can also head to a local dealership for more specialized advice.

We hope that you can better protect your outboard motors using these tips and tricks of the industry. If you want to learn more about preventing corrosion on items exposed to water, visit us at Portland Marine & Electronics. Our dealership, located in Clackamas, Oregon, proudly serves Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.