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Chapter 13 Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Engines operated in saltwater are exposed to
extremely corrosive conditions. Exposed engine
parts require careful maintenance. Flush the cool-
ing system with fresh water after each use. Rinse
the engine with freshwater and wipe all lower unit
parts with a clean, oily cloth. Ignition leads and
spark plug insulators should also be wiped fre-
quently to prevent an accumulation of salt residue.
Outboard engines used in saltwater should be
removed from the water immediately after operation.
If the engine cannot be removed, tilt the gearcase out
of the water and rinse it with freshwater. (The gearcase
must be removed from the water when not in use.)
Storing an Engine
Several precautions should be taken when stor-
ing an air-cooled engine for an extended period,
such as when storing an implement for the win-
ter season. Proper storage procedures will help
ensure long engine life and easy starting the fol-
lowing season.
Note
Outboard O Ou b b r r engines e g s used in saltwater should be
removed re mo o d d from om t h e e water immediately m after operation.
I I f t t h e e e engine n e cannot c n be removed, m tilt the g earcase out
o of f t h e e e water w a r a nd rinse r it wi th h freshwater. (The g earcase
must m mu t t b e e removed mo fr om the water w when not in use.)
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the engine.
Layers of dirt and debris tend to hold moisture,
encouraging the formation of rust and corrosion.
Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel remaining in
the tank and fi ll the tank with fresh gasoline. See
Figure 13-24. Fuel stabilizer will help prevent fuel
breakdown and the formation of gum, varnish, and
corrosion in the fuel system. Start the engine and
let it run for a few minutes so stabilized fuel fl ows
through all parts of the fuel system. If fuel stabilizer
is not available, run the engine dry of fuel.
Next, drain the oil from the crankcase. Do not
refi ll it now. Place a tag on the engine that says No Oil.
Rotate the engine so the piston is at bottom of
the cylinder. Remove the spark plug and squirt
about one tablespoon of clean motor oil through
the spark plug hole with an oil can. Rotate the
engine slowly several times to distribute the oil on
the cylinder walls. Then replace the spark plug.
With the spark plug wire disconnected, use the
pull rope to rotate the engine slowly until compres-
sion resistance is felt. Then rotate the engine an
additional one-quarter turn to close off its ports.
This seals the cylinder and prevents moisture entry.
If possible, make sure the throttle is in the off
position and the choke is closed. Then store the
engine in a dry, clean area.
When removing the engine from storage, fi ll the
crankcase with the recommended type and amount
of fresh oil (four-stroke engine). Then remove the
spark plug and use the pull rope or starter to spin
the engine rapidly to remove excess oil from the cyl-
inder. Clean or replace the spark plug. Then clean
and oil the air fi lter or replace cartridge if necessary.
Figure 13-23.
Coolant strength can be checked with a hydrometer.
Figure 13-24.
Fuel stabilizer will help prevent fuel system problems.