Marine: Boating, Sailing, PWC, GPS and Navigation - I know nothing about outboards (Outboard Maintenance)

I just bought a 1981 evinrude 9.9 horse outboard motor and I know nothing about taking care of one. What basic maintenance do I need to do, to keep it running good and trouble free?

:thumbup: Hello saul2. Welcome to the Boating, Sailing, PWC, GPS, & Navigation topic.

Best method is to purchase the specific owners manual, if one is still available. Or any generic service manual and follow the instructions step by step. One of the best places to obtain these types of generic specialty books and manuals, in my opinion, is a large retail marine supply store. Depending upon your location, there will be several listed in any phone directory.

Boating magazines, available at grocery and drug stores magazine racks, contain a vast selection of ads for books and information on boating service and maintenance topics. A subsription to one or more will provide some information.

Shopping for specialty books can also be done online and quite possibly generic boat service and maintenance books can be located within the do-it-yourself web sites own online shopping service.

Also check the boat and engine manufacturers online web site. Check all these locations. And check back on your posting several times. I am sure the resident moderator and other forum readers will have additional information and suggestions.

Also always fresh water flush the engine if and when used in salt water. Never fail to do this first thing, at the docks or on the ramp, etc. Than flush engine again once home.

Twice flushing, per instructions in my opinion (IMO) helps insure all salt water, if used in salt water, is flushed out. Make no mistake. Failure to flush with cause serious internal engine major problems.

Since the engine is small and light enough (engine weight and size wise,) to hand carry, my suggestion would be to put it on a saw horse with the prop in a garbage can filled with fresh water. Add a salt away product to the water per instructions. Than run the engine a few minutes to flush out any salt, etc.

Do the above even when used in fresh water. Not required but does provide some added benefits & peace of mind.... :thumbup: IMO. Boat engines are expensive to fix. Any added measure of protection is worth it's weight in gold.

Every two years have the pump impeller replaced without fail. Whether it needs it or not, etc. Any reduction in water flow through the engine will cause the engine to run hotter than it should. Engine failure will occur sooner or later.

Also must have the internal gear box fluid replaced at the same time the impeller pump is replaced. IMO I prefer to do this yearly. May or may not be required but prevention of failure is far less than any potential break down and/or engine failure. IMO

Always replace the spark plug yearly, whether it needs it or not. Same theroy as all the above. Also carry a spare new plug and the tools required to replace it every outing regardless.

May also be a good idea (IMO) to do likewise with a prop. Also carry a big sharp knife to cut off or out any weed, fishing line, etc that may or is bound to get intangled into the prop. Will happen for sure.....sooner or later. That's not an IF it will happen but rather a WHEN it will happen.... :eek:

The diy resident boat service & repair professionals will have additional helpful information, suggestions and advice. Check back on your question several times for additional replies.

Kindly use the reply button to add any additional information or questions, etc. to this thread. Using this method also moves the topic back up to the top of the daily list automatically.

Regards, Good Luck & Safe Boating.
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Regards, Good Luck & Safe Boating.

Thanks for the info. This is the first boat and motor I've had. Its old but seems to run well, and wasn't very expensive. But as you said I have no service manual. I will try to find a generic one. Thanks again for all the info.

Try www.defender.com and westmarine.com they have the book you will need for that motor.
Like to add for right now. When you check the lower unit for oil. put the oil in the lower screw and vent out the top screw there on the lower unit. Also when you are done with the motor for say 5 day or over a week or more . Pull the gas line off the motor when its still in the water running and let it run dry. This way the carb is dry no gas in it to gum up on you.

ED ;)

evinrudes website (http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Accessories/Introduction.htm)
they have old books and everything on there to look at.they just put this out a few months ago and it is great.

I like the mention of letting the carb run dry!! I have a 94 marina 90horse carby job, which i use in the sea..can I disconnect fuel line while running fresh water through (hose and muffs)?????also can this cause any damage??????

thanks

swifty Just let it idle after you have it flushed out and pull the tank hose off. I do all the time

very good tip, wish I knew it a while ago....just paid and got my carby cleaned!!!