See full version: How often to start my motor
Letting it sit for three weeks probably isn't going to matter. But I'll tell you otherwise if you need an alibi to go boating this weekend instead of doing yard work. Better to be sitting in front of an outboard than walking behind a lawn mower. [links]
Re: how often to start my motor? more
Practically speaking, starting a boat but not running it is not harmful, but it doesn't do as much good as running it, because running it burns off the oil where idling does not. Theoretically, if all you did was start it and not run it over and over you would get the same build-up as idling around without running it. PLus your battery doesn't get to recharge. more
What is bad, is starting it and revving it in neutral instead of running it. Not only does that not serve to burn off the crud, you risk a run-away motor and other bad stuff. Maybe that's what you heard about. And I know that old cranky motors often need that revving. more
Started mine today after 8 mos. Fired right up with your precautions taken.
Re: how often to start my motor? [links]
If you keep your boat on the water during winter and you have a good solar charger or nearby plug, you should leave your battery on a trickle charge. If you store your boat on land or can’t find a plug, you should remove your battery and store it at home. Even at home, it’s best to keep the battery hooked up to a trickle charge.
If your engine uses fuel-injection, fogging oil could cause an injector to hang up. To avoid this, complete the procedure in the above section with two-cycle oil rather than fogging oil. You can also add a bit of two-cycle oil to your fuel when you treat it with fuel stabilizer. more
Prepping your boat for the cold winter months is called winterizing. If you plan to winterize your boat yourself, here are some winterization tips we’ve prepared to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Changing your gear-case lubricant will cost about $10. If your lubricant looks clear and retains its amber color, you don’t need to replace your gear-case seals. If your lubricant is lumpy or opaque, you probably need to change your seals. Changing these in the fall when your marine mechanic has less work might get you a good discount. If you don’t change them, engine complications could end up costing you $2,000 to $6,000.
Fogging oil can keep the guts of your motor safe from corrosion and rust. Begin by taking off your engine’s flame arrestor, starting the engine, and spraying fogging oil straight into the carburetor. Next, pinch the fuel line to shut off its fuel supply and burn the carburetor’s leftover fuel. When your engine dies, lift out the spark plugs, coat the inside of the cylinders with fogging oil, and replace the plugs.
Changing your engine oil and oil filter will cost you anywhere from $30 to $75, depending on what kind of oil and filter your engine uses. If you don’t change your oil regularly, water can get into the oil and wear your engine down. This can result in excessive fuel use, less engine power, and even total motor failure. Some experts change their oil twice a year, once in the fall and once in the summer, in case moisture has managed to get in during the colder months. Neglecting these regular oil changes could cost you $500 in lost fuel or up to $20,000 if your engine ends up wearing out.
If you go to your engine dealer for supplies, please have the Year, Horse Power, and Engine Serial Number with you.
' Do it Yourself ' boat engine winterizing with pictures to help you. more
BoatNation.com
Your Fishing Headquarters Buy-Sell-New-Used more
Life jackets and kill-switches. Use them.
There is such a thing as a bad day on the water, well, under the water. Poor guy
13 y/o Surfer Rescues Boater in South Florida more