Motor maintenance survey. How often do you

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

Some basic items. Curious as to general consensus

[Some Old Guy 968]

Good poll!!!

 

Roger

[sinker7 114]

Yes good poll. But recommended servicing intervals can vary greatly between makes and horsepower. I answered the questions based on my smaller outboards. They are the ones that tend take in water in the lower unit, foul plugs and need more yearly TLC. My E-tec has only had the plugs changed twice in 10 years and the lower unit oil is usually every 2-3 years. The water pump never. 

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

I just wanna put my thoughts on all the above questions. I am not a mechanic. But have rebuilt and serviced dozens of 2 strokes.even blown up a few.

 

2 things (aside from rocks )kill outboards too much heat and not enough lubrication. 

 

I dont abuse my outboard but I do expect it to perform and run every day I go out

 

So I do lower unit fluid  annually as any water intrusion will lead to failure eventually.  And it's cheap . under 20$ on my 225 optimax

mercury recommends annually

 

I also do water pump every 2nd year. A water pump failure at anything more than an idle will lead to a spike in temps and most likely a power head failure. Every time I change mine I notice better running and cooling.  And DIY it's a 40$ job on my optimax. Cheap insurance IMHO. 

Mercury reccomends every 100 hrs on my motor

 

 Spark plugs and fuel filter won't kill an engine but can effect it's performance and fuel efficiency. I do filter annually. I use a lot of jerry can fill ups and contamination is inevitable transferring fuel.

 

Mercury reccomends this annually

 

Plugs I get 2 years then I swap em out. My year Optimax does foul plugs and I think it's recommended annually.

 

Idle time or simply slow gradual acceleration away from boat launch is a good practice. In my opinion. 

 

And premium fuel will store better over long periods than regular gas as it has more additives and less enthanol but for 99% of outboards it won't run any better . octane is temp/pressure fuel ignites at. Not the energy in the fuel. Energy is BTU. And higher octane burns slower which could actually cause a slight drop in performance . Since my gas doesn't sit all summer usually only a day or 2 I don't waste $$ on premium. I instead use mercury quickleen every 2nd tank. And stabilizer for winter storage

 

 

 

[Pro fisherman-Stud Muffin 420]

Good results so far. Generally good practices by most. And if you aren't doing certain items the majority are, Perhaps you should.

 

I'm just shocked by water pump #'s . it's not a common failure but a cheap maintenance item. I assumed more owners did this item. Especially if you purchased used not from new..