Outboard Motors Repair Advice

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Outboard Motors Repair Advice
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    I found it helpful to get some books on the subject of maintaining outboard motors. It was helpful to read about how two cycle outboard boat motors actually work. The more I read and understood, the more I appreciate just how beautifully simple these machines are. Go to your local library and look in the reference section where you will find service manuals and general outboard motor repair books. A service manual which covers your specific motor is always helpful.

    You will want to find some good resources. I found out that the NAPA chain of auto parts stores offered a marine parts catalog and to my surprise, they had a lot of the parts I needed in stock at the local distribution center. Another auto parts store CarQuest has their "Sierra Marine Parts Catalog" which is the same thing with the same part numbers that NAPA users. Finding out what parts are needed was a challenge. Once I knew what I needed, NAPA was able to get them quickly. You also want to find a good OMC marine parts dealer. I generally do not like to buy stuff at the boat dealer and pay their high retail prices but there are some things you can only get there. There are several places on the web where you can shop for marine parts.

    You need to be sure you know that what you are buying is actually what you need for your outboard motor. The problem with these dealers is that they are orientated toward selling parts for a wide range of motors. One of the things I hope to accomplish with this site is tell you exactly what marine parts you need to tune up particular outboard motors. Another thing to do is look up in the phone book and see if there is a boat salvage yard near you. I found one on the south side of Indianapolis which is a short drive from I live and enjoy going there just to look around.

    There are several good discussion boards where experienced mechanics are willing to answer questions for do-it-yourself repair people just because they like to help. One site is particular that I like is http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi I learned a lot from reading questions from people like me who want to fix up their old boat motor. I was amazed the first couple times I posted questions and got back good answers within minutes, even late at night. Some of these guys on the discussion boards are actual marine mechanics with many years experience. They seem to like helping guys like me out by offering answers and advice. As with anything in life, you may have different people offer different solutions.

    It is also helpful to locate a locate a local mechanic or experienced friend who would be willing to bail you out if you get into something that is over your head. In my case, I have a friend who use to own a LawnBoy shop. He also worked at a marina in his youth and had to repair many rented outboard motors. There are many tricks that can be used to make the job of tuning up these engines easier. You will not find many of these tricks in a service manuals because they may not be the textbook solution.

    Arrange a good place to do the work. In my case, I have a garage and basic tools. I made a motor stand with some $5.00 saw horse brackets and a couple 2x4's. I made my motor stand plenty wide and with extra long legs so that when I clamp my outboard motor to it at a comfortable height. When I do projects in my garage, I like to set up a folding table to lay out parts and tools and dedicate that table top to my project until it is completed. I may have other projects on other tables going on but I do not like to get my projects mixed up.

    Don't be in a hurry. Hopefully you are doing this for your own enjoyment and satisfaction. For me this is a winter project which I hope will keep me out of the house, away from the TV, and tinkering for several weekends and evenings. If I get to the point where I need a part, I will simply stop, maybe do some cleanup work, and go out and get the part I need before continuing. If I were to work on these motors on any kind of production mode, or for a customer, I don't' think I would enjoy it at all. Since I am doing this for my own enjoyment and satisfaction, I consider working on these motors to be a hobby and I can take all the time I want to do the job right.

    Editors Note: You can get outboard motor manuals by manufacturer at:

    http://www.boatmotors.com/manuals.html

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