· You probably know that seawater is one of the elements that will expedite marine corrosion and require more frequent maintenance if you want to have a long-lasting reliable and efficient engine. Flush the engine with fresh water after each use to get rid of the salt water or use a salt terminator. Salt terminators are designed to dissolve and remove salt build up commonly associated with marine environments and guards against future salt corrosion. Most engines have a port that will allow you to attach a garden hose to make the flushing easier.
· Pull the Cowlings and inspect your outboard powerheads.
· Check the basket around the base of the hood to ensure salt water isn’t seeping into the engine. Also the mounting bracket, pivot tube, tilt and trim systems, steering components and cables may come into contact with salt water and need to be rinsed off frequently.
· Regularly change the oil and filter and have periodic valve adjustments. Refer to your owner’s manual for needed scheduled service and use a certified technician.
· Propellers facilitate the engine reaching maximum horsepower at wide-open throttle, and if damaged may need repair and rebalancing. Change the propeller nuts annually. Check the blades regularly to ensure they aren’t bent or significantly dinged up for maximum efficiency, and keep the propeller shaft greased.
Following these tips can help you maintain your Honda outboard engine so that you have many years of peak efficiency.
