Outboard Maintenance

[Drwhale]

Just wanted to pass this along....for what it's worth.

Spring has sprung and we are doing a lot of the "spring" maintenance on ya'lls boats and engines....

Probably over 90% of the problems we see on outboards are fuel realated......

I have over 55+ years experience with boats and motors (for what it's worth) and over the years the problems have changed. One of the biggest problems that we are now seeing is with the fuel.

As most of you know the fuel that is available to us today is a different formulation than what we were using in the 50's. We now have have fuel that is 10% alcohol, probably soon to be as much as 15%. I really don't see that as being the main problem but is probably a part of the over all problem.

Alcohol replaced methl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) which simply put was an additive to cause a "cleaner" burn in these engines thus making the EPA happy. Unfortunately MTBE is an extremely good solvent that will penetrate practically anything and in fact has contaminated ground water in all 50 states. Thus they have banned it.
Some of the negatives of alcohol is that it doesn't have quite the energy (BTU'S) that MTBE had so you will have to burn a little bit more to get you wherever you going. (I have heard as much as 10%, I'm not sure that is accurate.) A plus to the alcohol is that it will keep any water in your fuel tank in an emulsion, thereby allowing your engine to burn it so I would think you would have less of an accumalation of water in your tank. HOWEVER, you should be using a premier water fuel separator, such as a Racor. AND read the instructions on how to use it!!!!!:D

The fuel today doesn't have the "shelf" life that we were used to so I have some recommendations for that. I was always told to fill your tank up with fuel after you came in from your day of fishing/cruising in order to keep the moisture (condensation) out of your tank. Well, now we recommend that you fill up before your trip, so you are using fresh gas and make sure that you have the best water/fuel separator in place and drain it periodically (Like every trip) Change the filter element 1-2 times a year. I change mine in the fall and at the end of spring.

We used to run the gas out of the engine after using it....We no longer recommend that....Leave the gas in it. AND if the motor is not going to be used for a while make sure that you added fuel stabilizer the last time you used the engine. It will not do you any good just to dump stabilizer in the tank without it running through your fuel system....

These are just a few thoughts, if you have any questions feel free to call anytime.


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[South Paw]

Good Info. Thanks. I use Ring Free and Stabil on all ob's.

To add to the water problem, I've been seeing particulates in my fuel which are havoc for my smaller outboards. It doesn't take much to cause problems to a 9.9HP. In line filters have help so far.

I hope we saved all the corn farmers...


Good Fishin

[jmprice]

Thanks for the free professional advice Dr. Whalen,:yes::thumbup: I got my Yamaha 2 stroke 25 started on the 4th pull last saturday after not splashing it for the last 4 months.:clap: It ran like a champ,:clapping2: cold out there in the 15ft Alumnacraft though.:wacko:

[c-note]

Great advice. I also use the ring free every time I put gas in her. Stuff is like gold or something its expensive.

[Dave Jr.]

At the very least, use Stabil.

[monkeywrench]

the bigest problem is the mix of old gas & the new junk,after it mixes & loosens all the dirt,some tanks will need to be pumped and cleaned.we use alot of sea foam & stabil.we put it right in the fuel filter.
inboard engines carb & efi engines need this also.

[Drwhale]

I forgot to mention it in my initial post but yes.....The old gas formula with MTBE would allow a build of of various "stuff" on the inside of the entire fuel system....and then comes the alcohol which acts like a detergent and "washes" off the build up which in turn travels to all those tiny orifices in the Carbs and fuel injectors and you all know what happens next......we have seen it so bad in some carbed motors that they could not be cleaned and the carbs have had to be replaced.....Nothing beats a good prefilter/water separator that is changed periodically.

I'm sure I'll have some more stuff (remember I'm old) and I will pass it along as I remember it.....


Thanks all,

Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[grady01]

We used to run the gas out of the engine after using it....We no longer recommend that....Leave the gas in it.

DrWhale, I have always heard that you should run the gas out of the engine after running it and now you say you shouldn't do that why is that? Just curious thanks for your input.:))

[Drwhale]

Grady,

This is just my observation........The old gas in my opinion was so pure that when it dried up (evaporated) it left nothing behind.

The new gas when it evaporates seems to leave a lot of solids. When we open up the bowls on the carbs we have a dried out bunch of gunk that looks like dried sand. I'm not sure what it is but if you leave the fuel in the carb (there is no air) there is very little if any evaporation so the solids that we see when the liquid part of the gasoline evaporates stays in solution so we don't see the little tiny orifices clogged up with solids...

Think of boiling a pot of sea water....when all the liguid is boiled out (evaporates) you will see all of the solids that were in the water initially, but dissolved, have now left a residue in the bottom of the pan.

I hope I explained that ok......

Again, if you like feel free to call me anytime (I never sleep) and I will try to do a better job explaining it.


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[grady01]

DrWhale,

That makes alot of sense thanks again for the reply.

[Dyllan]

Doug,

Is Ring Free safe to use on my 2005 4 stroke Suzuki? I've been using sta-bil and "full throdle" for stablizing the fuel? What are your thoughts on this?

[hooked-up03]

Doug I had a new racor fuel water filter installed last year or so. I need to change and put on a new filter. So my question is do you just screw it off and screw a new one on like I do when I change the oil filter on my pickup. Any kind of priming or anything. Its a Mariner outboard 250. Thanks for your help.

[Drwhale]

Dyllan,

I do not know of any recommendation by Suzuki to use Ring Free or a similar product. I don't think it will hurt but i'm not sure it would help a Suzuki.
Even though both engines are outboards there are differences.

Anyone else doing this???????? AND....What are your experiences with it?

I have seen problems with "sticky" rings on several different engines (manufacturers)....mainly from running the engine for extended periods at low RPM. If you troll/idle a lot it might be a good idea to open her up now and then to blow the "dust" out.





Hooked up

Yes just unscrew the whole filter...when you get it off you can unscrew the bowl sometimes it takes a filter wrench or two to get the filter and bowl separated.
Put a small coating of oil on the "O" rings and screw them back together. Not like Hulk Hogan though. Then squeeze the primer to fil er up.


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[Ware Fisher]

Hello Doug,

It was nice talking with you (a few minutes ago) about the Caracal.
I'll try to get down that way sometime and meet with you.

Best wishes,

Bob Eadie
Gloucester

[hooked-up03]

Thanks Doug :clapping2:

[mike cozzens]

Absolutely, Thanks Mr. Whalen!

Great post. You run a first class operation and everyone knows it! Can we clone you when our Hondas need work??:confused:

Mike

[Drwhale]

Thanks Mike for the compliment,

I'll have you know I am scheduled for surgery on my eyelids to put a little slant in them:D


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[codenurse]

Doug, Thanks for the time you took to listen to my questions and concerns regarding my merc this afternoon. I truly appreciate your advice. I'm certain you saved me from further problems. Thanks again for your help.

[deepbluesea]

Doug quick ? will a northstar fuel flow meter work on a 225 suz four stroke??? thanks in advance jay

[Phishphinder]

Can you shed any light on 2 cycles and how they react to E10. My 75 HP does not have a seperator and the filter is a simple screen type...How does the oil react with the E10 ??? do all those rule apply to 2 cycles ?

Thanks in advance for any info you can give

[Phishphinder]

PS. I have been fighting a hesitation problem for awhile... a marina mechanic at the ramp told me all 2 cycles are fight hesitation,,, Is this true??

[Drwhale]

Deepbluesea,

I would think the Northstar would work on the Suzuki....BUT....I have noticed that folks that went from 2 strokes with a fuel monitoring sysytem to a 4 stroke usually will have a discrepancy in the reading......I have seen it on my own Stamas...From 2 stroke 200's to 4 stroke 225's. I would call Northstar and see what they say. Most of the fuel monitoring systems have an adjustment and that's what you may have to do to make it read accurately.


Phishphinder,

I can only speak of the experience that we have seen with the Suzuki's. We have not seen anywhere near the problems with the E 10 that I hear other people are having. There has not been any problems that I have heard of with 2 cycle oil and E 10....

Hesitation.................I would not expect to see any significant hesitation on a 2 stroke unless it has gotten "loaded up" with gas and oil.... say after a long idle period...

Speaking of oil......................The engine makers do NOT make their own oil!! The go to an oil company and contract with them to formulate the oil that they want run in their engines.....Most engine mfgrs keep their formulas close to the vest. But keep in mind they know what is best for THEIR engines and thats what they want. Also if they are going to give you upwards of 6 years of warranty they want that engine to last and are going to recommend the best fluids to use and when to change them etc.....just to protect their interest. For example Suzuki does not want synthetic oil run in their engines!!!!!! Gear case is fine but not the engine....AND we have seen major damage on engines that have used synthetic engine oil....


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[Phishphinder]

Thanks for sharing your info... Always nice talking with an experianced Mech

[V.B. wells & irrigation]

Thanks Doug.

[racn35]

Hey Doug ......when are you going to start that "pick up" service ?

[Drwhale]

Hey Jamie,

When the women get better looking.........and... not as particular!:D


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[makoman]

Doug,

What if your engine manufacturer specifically recommends AGAINST using any type of fuel/water separator?

FWIW, I do change my fuel filter every year.

-makoman

[Drwhale]

Makoman,

You got me there.....I have never heard of a mfr recommending NOT using a w/f separator.

What mfr. is that?????


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[Drwhale]

For what's it's worth......

In the past week or so we have seen
"freeze" damage on the inside of the water pumps on several engines.........Not sure why....If the engines are placed in a vertical position when stored they should drain completely.....

Just thought I would pass that along.....Remember that for next winter:D


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[litehook1]

Thanks Doug for the info,
I have a 90 2 stroke Yamaha,have a spin on fuel water separator.I change it
about 3 times a year.I dump the fuel into a glass jar and let it settle to look at.
I see little white balls in the bottom of jar,my buddy told me it was water mixing with
ethanol.Whats your take on his theory?

[Drwhale]

litehook1,

I suppose it could be a little water globule but I would prefer to look at it first.....

We have seen some strange looking "stuff" coming through the fuel lines.....If it's not a big problem for you, get a sample and I'll take a look at it..

BTW....We are doing the Little Creek in the Water Boat show at Taylors Landing this weekend......We kind of got weathered out today but we will be there 12 -7 on Sat and I think it's 12-6 on Sun...We will have some hot coffee and a cold drink in the cooler and if your nice to us we will fix you a hot dog:D

Lot's of other dealers there too....soooooo you can come out and dream....


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[Drwhale]

MAKOMAN,

I was talking with a mechanic today about the no W/F Sep on their engines.....He was familiar with it ....He told me that Merc does not want one and it has to do with the way their fuel system is designed....BUT....they do have a filter under the "hood" to deal with the problem.

So....just goes to show ya....Learn something new everyday!!!!:D

Hope this helps....


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539

[Drwhale]

Another thing to look for:yes:

Most of the boats that have been around for a while may have fuel lines that are NOT compatable with the ethanol fuels....

Most of these fuel lines have a thin film liner in them that separates from the fuel line when exposed to alcohol.

The detached liner then splits, tears etc. and can cause a blockage in the fuel line....

Just one more thing to keep you awake at night.:D


Doug Whalen

Whalen's Marine

Suzuki Sales & Service 24/7/365

757-718-3539