Tips and tools
How to avoid costly water pump issues
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One of the most common repair jobs we’ve encountered this summer are burnt out water pump impellers. In many of cases I believe this can be easily avoided, as faulty ear muffs are a major contributor.
Ear muffs (or outboard flushers), are the little devices you attached a hose to and place over your outboard water intakes, to flush your motor out with clean water after use in salt water. They’re designed to form a tight seal to force water through your engine to flush out water galleries. When the ear muffs are cracked or the fittings are loose, they no longer work effectively in sealing the water intakes. That means water can’t get pumped through the motor effectively, which can cause the water pump to burn out. Aside from inspecting the ear muffs for wear and tear another way to determine that they’re faulty is to check for water leaking out when you run your motor up. If you think your ear muffs might be in need of replacement, drop in to see us and pick up a new pair. |
This image shows a burnt out water pump (left) vs. a brand new one (right).
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Winter outboard care
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Don't just park the boat up and throw the cover on over winter and leave it to age, corrode and devalue. All you're doing is giving yourself an unnecessary expense while your pride and joy deteriorates.
By following these simple steps you'll avoid some potentially costly issues with your motor. 1. Run your boat regularly for 15 minutes once every month 2. Check and drain your fuel filters on board your boat 3. Keep the under-floor fuel tanks fill to prevent condensation which drains into the bottom of the tank. 4. Grease and lube all mechanical fittings, cables linkages on the engine. 5. Spray power-head with soapy water and leave cover off to breathe and dry out on a sunny day 6. Remove all squabs and canopy clears and hang them out to dry 7. Keep tyre pressures on the high side to prevent side wall failure while trailer is stationary, 13” 45 and 14’’ 55psi 8. Lubricate all components on the trailer jockey wheel handle and shackles. 9. Switch on all electronics and test and operate all bilge and pressure pumps to prevent motors from seizing. The best way to ensure that your boat stays in good working order is to use it regularly. Even though the days are cooler, winter provides some stunning, flat calm days and great fishing. |
Your summer boating checklist.
Is your boat ready to hit the water this summer?
If it's been a while since you've taken your boat out, or started your outboard motor, follow these simple steps to ensure that your boat is ready when you are.
Just taking a little time to check these things before you hit the water, will keep you safe and avoid the need for costly repairs to your outboard motor. If you have issues with any of the above, simply contact us and we'll help get it sorted for you.
If it's been a while since you've taken your boat out, or started your outboard motor, follow these simple steps to ensure that your boat is ready when you are.
- Charge your battery and make sure all leads are secure
- Dispose of old fuel safely and fill with new gas
- Check fuel line for leaks
- Attach flush cups nice and tight
- Start motor and run until idle is constant
- Check cooling system when engine is running
- Test all electrics on board
- Remove anchor warp and chain to inspect joins
- Ensure steering is free
Just taking a little time to check these things before you hit the water, will keep you safe and avoid the need for costly repairs to your outboard motor. If you have issues with any of the above, simply contact us and we'll help get it sorted for you.