General Maintenance for an old engine...

[bkatz]

I have a 68' Johnson, 20hp...I am new to outboard motors but everyone has told me that this was a great motor to purchase and I now I am looking for suggestions on how to service this engine on a seasonal basis to keep it running like new!
Thanks,
Ben

 

[rolmops]

Re: General Maintenance for an old engine...

That engine is not old.
The first and best thing to do is to buy a factory manual.
20 horse suggests that you intend to use it on the Quabben reservoir so that would be fresh water.
If however you take it out on the brine you must run the engine with fresh water on the muffs after you take it out and make sure that it has zinc anodes.
Beyond that.Always check you lower unit for oil and water penetration and winterize at the end of the season.
I find that for some stupid reason my friend's boat in Hubbardston,MA always has problems with water in the fuel,so a can of dry gas will probably serve you well.

 

[lindy46]

Re: General Maintenance for an old engine...

I usually drain the gas from the carb for winter storage, and put Sta-bil in the gas tank if there is gas you want to keep over the winter. You can run the engine with the Sta-bil gas mix if you don't want to drain the carb. Once out of the water, pull the starter a few times to help drain the water - for the most part it is self-draining. I also change the lower unit oil every fall - that will also tell you if there is water getting into the lower unit. Then I squirt fogging oil into the cylinders, and while the spark plugs are out, I clean them, and re-gap them to 030". If the motor has been running good, that should do it!

 

[ezeke]

Re: General Maintenance for an old engine...

BRP publishes a good maintenance chart for the motors which you can use as a checklist. It covers most routine items: http://www.evinrude.com/NR/rdonlyre...55-6BC1C69789FB/0/em_maintenance_schedule.pdf

There are other items of interest at the site as well: http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/About.Us/FAQ/Maintenance.htm#Q1

 

[Mas]

Re: General Maintenance for an old engine...

Make sure the motor is also stored vertically so all water in the lower leg is allowed to drain so it won't freeze during your cold winters.

Also, change the water pump impeller every 2-3 years as a maintenance item.

MAS

 

[F_R]

Re: General Maintenance for an old engine...

Basic owner-operator maintenance is covered in the owner's manual, also available from outboardbooks.com for a reasonable price. It is an owners manual, not a repair manual.