Today one of the most common problems with engine performance is fuel related. Add stabilizer to every tank of gas and run it as per the instructions on the bottle for storage use. The new Ethanol stabil is BLUE in color and can be purchased at Wal Mart. Today's fuels are starting the varnish process within just a few days. Replace fuel filters regularly and purchase gas where the stations have a high volume of use. Also pay close attention at the pump for fuels containing Ethanol Better known as E10 or E15. Ethanol creates water in your fuel better known as Phase Seperation, and will cause poor running conditions and or the engine won't run at all. I get updates via email from fuel manufacturers so if you would like to view these reports drop me an email with your email Address and I will forward those to you.
Replace fuel seperator filters regularly, This is very important due to the ethanol in the fuel. If your boat doesn't have one I would highly recommend you installing one. I have been just made aware that there is a new additive for our fuel to help aid in the Ethanol problem, it is called ETH-GUARD and can be purchased at this site. www.e10gasadditives.com/product_ethguard.html
Battery connections is a very important issue with today's high tech engines. If your connections are loose this will cause a surge in voltage. This voltage surge can cause damage to the computer (EMM) on your engine costing you a large amount of money. Make sure the connections are clean and tight, (Tighten them with pliers.) Also while you are at the battery check the fluid level in the battery and add water as needed. (Distilled water only)
Mono fishing line is the #1 killer of engine lower units, Remove your prop regularly and check the shaft for mono wrapped around the propshaft behind the thrust washer. Check the prop manufacturers specs for correct torque and add a good water proof grease to the splines on the shaft. and always replace the cotter pin.
Corrosion X is a boaters best friend, This stuff is good for all applications. After a day of fishing-boating rinse all components like steering, jackplate etc.. with fresh water and spray a liberal amount on all moving parts. I like to call this stuff liquid mechanic. You may also use it on your fishing reels and also on all electrical connections like switches and fuse panels.
For a degreaser WD40 works well to remove grease stains and oily finger prints.
This is good for care of stainless steel handrails and other stainless parts. Clean with fresh water then a simple sponge with the scrub side will polish the rust stains then apply a liberal amount of either WD40 or Corrosion X This will aid in keeping rust stains down. If stainless parts rust a bit, this is good because if parts were made of only stainless it would be very week so rust tells you the stainless has some steel in it to give it strength.
As far as outboard oils for 2stroke motors, use only a manufacture brand oil.
Oil blends do not mix and if you need to add something other than name brand oil, run the oil tank down as low as possible before adding another oil type. What happens is different oil blends mixed into your oil tank will congeal causing the pump to NOT pump oil thus burning up the engine due to lack of lubrication.
By all means read your owners manual on your motor and stick with the oil the manufacturer recommends for the type of engine you have. Some engines require a special oil to be run in the engine and by not running that oil will shorten the life of your engine and Void any warrantee.
Now also keeping up with your engines cooling system is very important. All engine manufacturers recommend if you run your engine in Brackish or Mineral laden water you should replace your water pump annually or every 100hrs. It is a smart decision to replace your thermostats at the same time.
As always if you have a question with your boat email or call me and I will help in any way I can.
jcoutboardsvc@gmail.com
361-463-8035
