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Outboard Maintenance & Repair in Brielle, NJ
DIY Tips for Outboard Service and Repair
If you want to keep your outboard motor dependable and safe, routine maintenance should be on your to-do list. Even if you’re not a home mechanic, you can definitely learn to perform basic maintenance and inspections on your outboard motor.
The good news is that these machines are easy to access, easy to work on and fairly simple in construction. Another good reason to take responsibility for your boat’s basic maintenance is that you’ll be in much better shape if you do encounter a breakdown or system failure. Doing a few repairs will help you get familiar with the layout and the function.
Here are some maintenance tips to keep your outboard in great shape so you can enjoy an easy start-up and all the performance you expect. Please review our suggestions and reach out with any questions to us at Hoffman’s Marina, conveniently located just half a mile from the Manasquan Inlet with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Maintaining Your Outboard Motor
Many maintenance tasks are very easy. An outboard motor is a simple version of an internal combustion engine, so it has a lot in common with many other engines with which you might be familiar, such as motorcycle, mower and car engines.
Start with a basic visual inspection. Remove the cowling or outer cover, which protects the engine from water. Look for any evidence of oil or fuel leaking. Identify the fuel line and verify it’s intact and securely attached. Check the engine’s air filter, make sure it’s not too dirty and replace it according to schedule. Check the propeller for any cord or fishing line wrapped around the shaft and remove it.
Oil Changes
Outboard motors require regular oil changes, just like cars. Check your owner’s manual for the interval and the how-to’s. Typically you should do this every three months or 20 hours, whichever comes first. Outboards use oil faster than cars, so check the level frequently. If you find the oil is dark or sludgy, change it regardless of your schedule. If you see any metal particles in it, bring it to our service department.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs should be replaced regularly, and inspecting them can reveal important information. A black and sooty plug indicates too much oil in the fuel. A too-hot plug will appear eroded or have a white residue on it. A wet spark plug indicates there’s water in the fuel. If the appearance is off, consult our repair department.
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Corrosion Prevention
Corrosion prevention is a top concern if you want to keep your outboard in good shape. After every outing, flush and rinse your outboard engine to eliminate corrosive elements such as saltwater and particles and to get rid of invasive species. Your owner’s manual is a good resource for this process.
Bring Your Outboard in for Service
Playing an active role in your outboard motor’s routine maintenance really helps you get the lay of the land in terms of your engine. As you can imagine, this might be helpful someday if you are stranded and on the phone or radio with someone trying to help.
Whatever your level of interest and experience in your engine’s inner workings, the time may come that you need to bring it in for service. We’ve got a highly qualified and experienced group of marine techs eager to help resolve your problems and get you back onto the water.
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