Your Macerator Pump Specialists Talk About How Easy Outboard Engine Maintenance Can Be 

Raritan Engineering your macerator pump distributors would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding great tips to maintain your own outboard engine.

Your macerator pump suppliers discuss how today’s outboard engines grant anglers the freedom to fish far from port with great reliability and peace of mind. Regular maintenance ensures that outboards continue to perform well and last as long as possible in the saltwater environment. Let’s look at what you can easily handle on your own.

Changing Your Gear Lube

Routinely changing the gear lube helps you detect water that might be leaking into the gear case. The recommended service interval is usually the same as with engine oil. Use the lube specified in your owner’s manual, such as SAE 90 hypoid gear oil. 

Pump in lube until it begins to spill from the vent. With the pump line still in position, replace the vent plug. Then remove the pump line and quickly replace the drain plug.

Using Grease on the Motor

Use a grease gun to pump marine grease into the zerk fittings outlined in the manual at the recommended intervals. Zerk fittings are usually found on the outboard’s pivot tube (on which the engine rotates when it turns), steering tube and tilt-and-trim bracket. 

Replacing Fuel Filters

A separate 10-micron water-separating fuel filter serves as the first line of defense in keeping water and dirt from getting to the engine. That’s why it’s important to change fuel filters per the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. 

So make sure to browse our macerator pumps at Raritan Engineering, where we always take care of your marine sanitation supply needs.

Inspect the Propeller

After every trip, manually spin the propeller. If there’s fishing line wrapped on the prop shaft, you can sometimes hear a soft tick, tick, tick — the result of a piece of monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line slapping the inside prop barrel.

Braided line is too limp to create the same sound effect, so you still need to remove the prop to inspect the shaft for a tangle of line and possible damage to the gear-case seal. Do this every other trip. 

Zinc Replacement

Periodically inspect the sacrificial zinc anodes on your outboard. These intentionally corrode before your outboard does in order to protect the motor. Replace them when they are 50 percent gone.

Spark-Plug Service

The service interval for changing spark plugs is generally around 200 hours. Buy the right plugs, and “gap” them correctly. The gap between the center and ground electrodes will be specified in the manual; use a feeler gauge to confirm that proper gap.

Using the plug wrench, insert and thread the new plug into place (be careful not to cross-thread it) and tighten snuggly. Don’t over tighten, which can strip the threads in the aluminum head. Snap the boot back on and reattach the coil. 

Head Protection

Periodically treating the powerhead with corrosion-inhibiting spray lends the motor protection from errant salt spray under the hood. Use a corrosion inhibitor specified by the manufacturer. 

The do-it-yourself route might not be for everyone. Even if you have a marine mechanic handle service, it’s important to know what’s required and why. 

Don’t forget these great pointers for maintaining your own outboard engine. 1) Routinely changing the gear lube helps you detect water that might be leaking into the gear cas;  2) use a grease gun to pump marine grease into the zerk fittings outlined in the manual at the recommended intervals;  and 3) after every trip, manually spin the propeller.

Sailing away in a … pumpkin? Only in Damariscotta

Reserve your items here at Raritan Engineering. We are your #1 expert for all marine sanitation supplies.