long term maintinance

[surlyjoe]

we have really been racking up the hours on our 1960 40 horse. (400+ hours this year) Does anyone have any info for long term maintenance? I am looking to find the lifespan of such items as reeds, bearings, rings and seals, that sort of thing as I am unsure what needs replacing when and don't wanna find out the hard way.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: long term maintinance

run seafoam in the gas/oil mix. keeps the internals clean. check plugs/spark/compression every 100 hours, this gives you a heads up on a potential problem. keep it flush after use. grease all the zerks. waxed. store with the foot down. keep the impeller in tip top shape. running hot kills more engine. if you don't have a manual get one. battery terminals clean (both engine and battery ends) .

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: long term maintinance

thanx!! I am already all over the regular maintenance, it's the stuff you don't normally think about, like the reed valves are starting to worry me. any idea how long they last? is it 1000hrs like a dirt bike? more? less? i really dont wanna wait till a finger winds up in bore..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: long term maintinance

i don't know how long they last, never had to change mine. forget to tell you check the lower unit oil monthly, or more often with your use, for water, and change atleast every 100 hours. buy a bunch of seals for the lower unit plugs, change everytime you remove the plug. #1 place for leaks.