Boat Maintenance

[shillins24]

I was going to change out my plugs this weekend, how difficult is it....   
     These were the one's I was going to purchase. Correct???

http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?otherMotiveID=218918&pid=3870

Also, I thought I would change the lower gear oil too. Which product should I use??? And how do you do it......???

[Basscat7]

Don't know what engine you have, but  changing lower unit oil is about the same in all of them....Any name brand  Synthetic lower unit oil is good to use.
It is a good idea to have a couple of new " O " ring gaskets to replace the ones already on there, cheap insurance on water intrusion.

Tilt the engine vertical, pan under to catch oil, take out bottom drain screw, make sure you get the O ring off too, if not replacing them save it for reinstall.

Take out top Vent screw,( O ring also ) oil will drain quicker, let drain 5 minutes.

Fill from the bottom drain hole, either buy a fill kit, or just stick the lube oil nozzle in and squezze till the oil flows out  of the top vent hole.

Replace the top vent screw, making sure you have the O ring gasket on it.
This creates a vacuum that will allow you to get the bottom screw in ( with O ring ) before the oil can leak out.  A little oil will always leak out, not a problem.
Check the old oil for metal shavings, water , etc...

[bassboogieman]

P. S.  I think it's better to change the oil in the L. U.  in the fall before temps really fall.  If you're using your boat all winter - as you are - it may not be as important.  By changing the oil in the fall, should you have had any water intrusion you can get it out of there before it freezes, which creates a problem that is either big or little depending upon how much water was in there. 

Spark plugs are about as easy as lightbulbs - just do one at a time so you don't forget which plug wire goes where  :shocked:  Check the numbers on the plugs that you have installed at this time, and as it's a new-to-you-boat, I'd also verify you have the correct plugs by checking the motor manual.

[docirv]

Actually, I have learned a very expensive lesson... I will be changing my lower unit oil at least once every two months.

[Eli]

Do we change our plugs every year?

Do we use fuel additive/Carb Cleaner?  Power Tune...
Every tank or how often?

[bassboogieman]

Plugs - every two years for me.  I don't put that many hours on the outboard.  Fuel addiditives - I using Ring Free (Yamaha) every tank.  I hear Seafoam is an excellent additive should you not like using the manufacturer's product.

[dan61psu]

Moving topic to the Outfitter's Corner...

[Eli]

I have read that Mercury (or Quicksilver) Power Tune and Yamaha Combustion Deposits Cleaner and others are all Chevron "Techron" with a different label. 

Mercury "QuickClean" and Yamaha "Ring Free" are also alleged to be the same and another product made by Chevron .

I intend to use the QuickClean in my gas.  The idea is to use the Power Tune once a year. 

Also I have been following the BBC post discussing the new Stabil additive supposedly designed to offset the problems of ethanol blend.

[Basscat7]

You are right Eli. Yamaha Ring Free and Merc Quick Kleen are the 2 stroke reformulated version of Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner for 4 stroke engines.  The main carbon deposit control additive is the same, but Chevron recomends not using their version in 2 strokes.

I put some Quick Kleen in each tankful, along with a measured amount of Stabil, just in case there is any moisture in the fuel, or I can't get the boat out for a while.

[shillins24]

Thanks Guys!! I dont know when the last time the preious owner did these things, so for my own peace of mind I think I'll get it done

[bassboogieman]

Check all your filters too.  I was in a similiar situation with my boat, that's why I put it in the shop to have it gone over.  I had a compression test done before I bought, and it was fine.  It's the little things that I really didn't know were done.  The water impeller was in need of replacement as were both fuel filters.  A spacer in the lower unit was also missing and replaced.  Little things that could have led to major things.  If a shop does it - $$$$ flies out of your wallet due to HIGH labor costs, but the peace of mind was worth the expense, and I know what I have now going forward.  Cost me over $600 ($200 parts, $400 labor) with the installation of the fuel/water filter, so be prepared if you take it to a shop.

[Pillager]

Do we change our plugs every year?

Do we use fuel additive/Carb Cleaner?  Power Tune...
Every tank or how often?

Never, never, and never.  I just charge the battery.   :grin:

[bassboogieman]

Try everyready, you may find they last longer than one bath in the tub................... :53:

[Wishing2BFishing]

Actually, I have learned a very expensive lesson... I will be changing my lower unit oil at least once every two months.

Yes, it is very important to always take care of the "lower unit". :evil:

[Wishing2BFishing]

Dave S., I might be out of the loop . . . did you get a new boat?