Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

[Splaker]

Hi folks,

So I ended up bringing in my recently purchased 1982 70 HP Evinrude to a local marine mechanic. As to be expected, it cost me a lot of $$ to "correct" the issues with it - $500+ !!!

The mechanic said that the top carb had "gummed up" (bad, old fuel?) and that the cylinder head gasket needed to be replaced.. these things along with the "diagnosis" cost me quite a bit - I am not confident/familiar with working on engines so I didn't have much choice. I would not have know how to diagnose the problems.

What I would like to know from you experts is what preventative measures I should take to keep the engine running well and minimize repair and trips to the mechanic in the future.

In the past, I have changed my own spark plugs, fuel filter and lower gear oil. What else should/could I do regularly? What about adding Seafoam to the fuel? How about synthetic oil.

How often should I inspect/replace things like the impeller, seals, points, etc? How often should I clean the carbs? What else am I missing?!

Please keep in mind that I still have to buy a manual for the thing and learn about these parts and their functions/purpose.. I am a rookie with very limited mechanical ability!


Thank you very much in advance!

Splaker

 

[ezeke]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Print out the maintenance schedule from the BRP/Evinrude site and put it with your manual for a start: http://www.evinrude.com/Content/Pdf/en-US/PressRelease/maintenance_schedule.pdf

It does not cover everything but is better than nothing.

Untreated fuel mix will gel eventually. You can extend the life of the mix by using a fuel stabilizer whenever you add new fuel. Single purpose fuel stabilizers are generally better than all purpose additives. You should avoid additives that contain alcohol because they promote phase separation in the long run.

More on fuel storage here: http://boatsafetymaintenance.suite101.com/article.cfm/storing_boats_fueled_with_e10

 

[jonesg]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Get the service manual asap and have a long read, its very well written and not difficult to follow, carb jobs are not beyond your capability.
I use a tool set I bought a sprawlmart for $20 in a plastic case.
If you keep your fuel system scrupulously clean you should be fine, old fuel lines and dirty tanks seem to cause a lot of trouble.
Install a water seperator with changeable cartridge and swap that out every yr or sooner if you boat a lot.

And do a lot of reading here to learn more.
See the top secret FAQ files for very good directions.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

Order your manual below, get your model number, the factory service manual, not the owner manual.
www.outboardbooks.com

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

If you don't already have a water seperating fuel filter get one

 

[Splaker]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

If you don't already have a water seperating fuel filter get one

Water separating fuel system?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Water separating filters are not at all a new concept, but they have become much more relevant for boaters using ethanol because of phase separation.

Virtually every petroleum product floats on water, so water makes its way to the bottom of the tank and carburetor float bowls where the pickups are located.

To help collect the water before it reaches the carburetor, a full-sized water separating fuel filter should be mounted in the most stable position possible and as close to the tank as possible. Positioning is important because the filter relies on gravity and as little turbulence as possible.

Filters should be dumped or replaced as often as needed to rid the system of the collected water.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...**********.893726538--submit.x.30--submit.y.9

 

[Splaker]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Water separating filters are not at all a new concept, but they have become much more relevant for boaters using ethanol because of phase separation.

Virtually every petroleum product floats on water, so water makes its way to the bottom of the tank and carburetor float bowls where the pickups are located.

To help collect the water before it reaches the carburetor, a full-sized water separating fuel filter should be mounted in the most stable position possible and as close to the tank as possible. Positioning is important because the filter relies on gravity and as little turbulence as possible.

Filters should be dumped or replaced as often as needed to rid the system of the collected water.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...**********.893726538--submit.x.30--submit.y.9

So where is this filter attached? the fuel line?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

So where is this filter attached? the fuel line?

You need to put a bracket in line that the filter attaches to. Similar to this one in this pic.

http://www.iboats.com/Fuel-Water-Se...2111590--**********.065205847--view_id.187573

 

[Splaker]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Water separating filters are not at all a new concept, but they have become much more relevant for boaters using ethanol because of phase separation.

Virtually every petroleum product floats on water, so water makes its way to the bottom of the tank and carburetor float bowls where the pickups are located.

To help collect the water before it reaches the carburetor, a full-sized water separating fuel filter should be mounted in the most stable position possible and as close to the tank as possible. Positioning is important because the filter relies on gravity and as little turbulence as possible.

Filters should be dumped or replaced as often as needed to rid the system of the collected water.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Ac...**********.893726538--submit.x.30--submit.y.9

So where is this filter attached? the fuel line?

 

[Splaker]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

Folks, this info is simply invaluable! Thank you so much!!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Maintaining an outboard - taking preventative steps?

So where is this filter attached? the fuel line?

Well, let's see.........