Preventing internal Corrosion in an Outboard Motor

If there’s one thing we are all too familiar with at PowerHouse Marina it’s the damage that corrosion can cause to an outboard motor. If you’re a true boating and water enthusiast, you should be aware of important preventative maintenance is and how this can enhance the longevity of our outboard motor as well as your boat. One of the more important preventative maintenance tasks is the prevention of corrosion.

The Importance of preventing Corrosion

Most beginners have no clue about the prevention of corrosion and the importance of it. The corrosion process typically occurs in stages. So, when it first begins to occur, you’ll have an opportunity to take preventative steps. Pay close attention to the paint on the surface of your motor. This is where corrosion tends to appear first. When the paint starts to blister or bubble, you need to start addressing the issue before it can become a costly problem. That’s why manufacturers will implant an anode of highly active metal in outboard motors to prevent corrosion on the less active metals.

Flushing Your Outboard Motor

You can do this a couple of different ways and prevent corrosion. You can use the flush attachment (it’s built-in) by connecting a hose to it and turning on the water full blast in order to let the pressure do the work. You should run the water a minimum of 15 minutes. Second, you can use the “flush muff” process. You need to connect the flush muff to the end of the hose and turn it on. Let it run until water is exiting the flush muff sides. Only after that you will need to start the motor and set it to a fast idle for fifteen minutes. Then increase the pressure of water until a little squirting occurs below the flush muff.

A third method is the “flush bag”. You can use this option whenever the boat is moored or loaded on its trailer. When you fill the flush bag, it stimulates motor idling but immerses the lower unit in water. After that you need to place the flush bag around the motor, gently attach the hose, and let the bag fill up. The level of water must reach the water pump’s height above the separation seam of the lower unit. Slowly, you need to start the motor and allow it to run for ten to fifteen minutes on neutral. You need to keep the hose on during the whole process. Once you’re finished, turn off the engine and the hose then drain the bag.

To learn more about corrosion prevention of the engine or motor, contact PowerHouse Marina today. Our experts are available to assist you with your boat maintenance requirements.