10 Simple Checks, Troubleshooting and Links to DIY Outboard Motor Repairs
to Avoid Expensive Mistakes and Ensure Your Safe Boating

If you want to have a smoothly purring outboard motor and hassle free boating experience then there are 10 checks you can make ...

...before you leave home and definitely before you leave the boat ramp.

These 10 outboard motor and boating checks are highlighted below and you can expand them if you need further information on the topics listed.

A troubleshooting guide for outboard motors is also provided so you can understand what is wrong and the servicing needs or outboard motor repairs you may need.

I do not recommend that anything other than the basic outboard repairs and maintenance should be carried out by an untrained owner unless you are experienced in working with outboard motors.

Use your local outboard service mechanic if you are in any doubt and definitely be guided by the service manual that you got with your outboard motor.

Servicing needs or outboard motor repairs

The 10 Checks to Ensure Safe Boating

• Check your fuel and your fuel connections.

Basic stuff?...Maybe it is, but many people towed in from a what was going to be an idyllic days boating have a near disaster because they run out of fuel.

Make sure you also check the fuel lines to ensure they are connected, not kinked, broken or perished. Check for fuel leaks. Check the fuel bulb to make sure it is working by squeezing it until it is hard with no leak at the line connector seals. Also Check that they are linked with the flow arrow from fuel tank to motor - not reversed.

• Make sure your fuel is fresh and not contaminated.
• Make sure your batteries are turned on and the kill switch is attached.

For pull start motors make sure the rope is attached and not frayed or damaged in anyway - and you have a spare pull cord in your tool kit. Which you do carry on board at all times....right?

• Check your batteries are charged, the leads connected, posts are clean and not corroded.
• Check your steering cables and system by turning it hard starboard and hard port then back to midships.
• Check your engine oil levels and gearbox oil, top up if needed. Check the colour of gearbox oil, if it is milky it is contaminated with water and needs expert service attention.
• Check your propellor spins freely and is frees of obstructions.
• Start your motor using a drum of freshwater or recommended engine flushing device.
• Check the water flow through your water squirter and the exhaust to make sure it is passing through the cooling system.
• Replace the water impeller after 100 hours in saltwater or at least yearly.
• Dont forget the basic stuff that is often forgotten and can be an inconvenience.

Things such as -Your key to start the motor and a spare key secreted on the boat or on your body. - Your bilge drain plugs are in and you have spares. - your tool box. - your trailer winch handle. Make a list of them and check them off each trip.