An outboard engine can give you years of reliable use if given some occasional TLC.
Even if you get your outboard regularly serviced by a technician, there are a number of routine maintenance steps you can take yourself to keep it in top working order.
Greasing the steering shaft and pivot shaft grease nipples of your outboard engine should be attended to regularly, to prevent salt water intrusion and wearing of the components.
All you will need for this exercise is about 10 minutes of your time, a rag to wipe excess grease and a grease gun loaded with a good quality waterproof boating grease from your local dealer.
The simple steps to undertake this important maintenance is in the video.
If you use your outboard regularly, I’d be undertaking this maintenance every month or so.
Even if your boat isn’t used much, heat from sitting in the weather and over time, the grease can degrade, so once every three months would be advisable. It really only takes a minute.
Failure to grease your outboard engine glands can result in the steering components wearing and going sloppy as a result of salt and water intrusion.
We also suggest keeping an eye under the outboard engine cowling on a regular basis, to again check for any telltale signs of saltwater intrusion. These need to be attended to right away.
Prevention is way cheaper than cure so keeping on top of these small issues could save you big bucks in the long run.
And once in fix it mode, take a look at this previous post to keep your reels in tip top shape also.
And if you’re curious as to why I run a two stroke and not a four stroke on my boat, I explain it all here;
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