Keeping outboard carb clean after use

[ahalls]

I'm hoping to get some basic advice on how to keep my Honda 20hp in good working order after each use. I dont use it all that often, and had to have the carb cleaned recently. I make sure to put stabilizer in the tank. The dealer suggested after each use to disconnect the fuel line from the motor and let it run till it runs dry and quits. They also suggested to unscrew the drain screw on the carb each time too and let any remaining gas out.. Do you guys do both of these steps each time and are there any other good things to be doing ? Thanks!! Allan

 

[Dugger]

I'm hoping to get some basic advice on how to keep my Honda 20hp in good working order after each use. I dont use it all that often, and had to have the carb cleaned recently. I make sure to put stabilizer in the tank. The dealer suggested after each use to disconnect the fuel line from the motor and let it run till it runs dry and quits. They also suggested to unscrew the drain screw on the carb each time too and let any remaining gas out.. Do you guys do both of these steps each time and are there any other good things to be doing ? Thanks!! Allan

hmmmm good question... I'd like to know as well.... first year with an outboard

 

[grubman]

I'm surprised the dealer gave you some good advice. Why did you have the carb cleaned? Did you leave gas in there before? Hard starting this year?

Gasoline is made up of many components, about 10, octane being the major. Each component evaporates at different rates, and when they do, nasty things happen. If gas were left in the carb to evaporate it leaves a coating of varnish all over. This will eventually effect the venturi and the jets. Once the varnish forms it's very difficult to impossible to remove, best solution is to never let it begin to form. Get as much of that gas out as possible. If you don't plan to use your engine for a more then a week then drain it. Don't let it evaporate.

Your engine should last forever.

 

[ahalls]

I'm surprised the dealer gave you some good advice. Why did you have the carb cleaned? Did you leave gas in there before? Hard starting this year?

Gasoline is made up of many components, about 10, octane being the major. Each component evaporates at different rates, and when they do, nasty things happen. If gas were left in the carb to evaporate it leaves a coating of varnish all over. This will eventually effect the venturi and the jets. Once the varnish forms it's very difficult to impossible to remove, best solution is to never let it begin to form. Get as much of that gas out as possible. If you don't plan to use your engine for a more then a week then drain it. Don't let it evaporate.

Your engine should last forever.

Thanks for the info. Yes i had left the motor unused without doing enough to clear the carb. I had a hard time starting it so took it to the dealer. it needed to be cleaned and serviced. i'll be smarter from now on!

 

[Spinninreel]

Here is what I do at the end of every season and it seems to be working: let the motor run dry, Change the lower unit oil ( do this in the fall, because if there is any water in there, it will cause some major damage), drain the gas reservoir next to the carb, pull out the spark plugs and use fogging oil or regular outboard oil in each cylinder. This has worked well for me and I hope that this will help you.

 

[grubman]

Here is what I do at the end of every season and it seems to be working: let the motor run dry, Change the lower unit oil ( do this in the fall, because if there is any water in there, it will cause some major damage), drain the gas reservoir next to the carb, pull out the spark plugs and use fogging oil or regular outboard oil in each cylinder. This has worked well for me and I hope that this will help you.

Great you change the lower unit oil, you must use your's alot each season. Check for metal particles, if it's small bits that's ok, if there are chunks even small ones then there is a major problem. For occasional use I'd just open and check the oil for foaming, that's a tell tale sign a seal is gone and water got in and mixed with the oil. Since all of us are anglers, it's aways best to remove the prop and check for fishing line on the drive shaft. It gets caught there and eats the seal that keeps water out of the lower unit. A small squirt of oil into the cylinder is a great idea too, just don't put too much. I used to put white lithium grease on all moving parts such as the throttle and carb linkages, and anything else that has to move smoothly.

Great tips Spin. Thanks.

 

[Dugger]

Grubs, screw that, I'm dropping my motor off at your place, expect it done by Friday

thank you

 

[grubman]

Sure I'll put nos on it, no fish will ever get away from you again..........lol.

One other thing is to sqirt a bit of outboard oil down the carb throat and give it a few pulls to lube the insides. Then you're done. Store in the garage or better yet the basement where it won't freeze.

 

[Spinninreel]

Hey Grub, I only do this at the end of every season, not throughout the season, so when spring comes, I don't have any nasty surprises.

 

[grubman]

Hey Grub, I only do this at the end of every season, not throughout the season, so when spring comes, I don't have any nasty surprises.

Very good point. All the maintenance I have stated is for end of season and not to be done on a regular basis. Sorry for any confusion. We were all speaking in terms of end of season but could have been read as when the motor is not used that often and what to do between uses. I apologise for misleading anyone.

You never want to spray outboard motor oil into the carb or the cylinders if you do not plan to use the motor for one or two weeks, only do it at the end of the season and give it a few pulls with the spark plug wire removed. Always, always, always, carfully replace the spark plug by hand not with the plug in the socket. You do not want to cross tread the plug. The engine block is aluminum and is very easy to damage. Start that plug by hand only.

After each use you can still open the lower unit screw and check the oil for foaming and proper level. You can and should remove any gas from the carb if you don't plan on using the motor for a couple of weeks or more. If you don't know when you'll be using it, drain it anyway, better safe then sorry.

Thanks Spin.

 

[fishfight]

I run my engine on neutral till it stop to get rid of any gas on the carburator chamber each trip after fishing.

I also take out the spark plug after few trips and clean them with brake cleaner, leave the plug off for a day or two then put the plug back. I notice my engine runs way smoother and easy start up every time. I own a 30 year old motor , but hardly use, I reduce the oil mixture ratio by 10% and notice less foul up , especially during trolling.

Always add fuel stabilizer when the old gas has not been use for more than a month. Gas tank has to either full to the brim or empty.