Maintanance for begginers

[JBAMFORD]

Hey Everybody
I have tinkered with cars since I was a kid, but outboards scare me a little in the sense that I have no Idea how to give proper preventative maintanance.
I just got my first "real" boat, a 190 bay with a 2004 Yamaha 115 four-stroke and I do not have the proper owners manual yet. I was so excited to get right in the water that I hardly gave it a look over. I want to make sure that I keep it in great shape, but don't know really where to start. I have flushed the engine at idle for 5min using the hose port on the engine everytime I bring the boat out of the saltwater... Is this enough? Also, how often and where should I grease the steering mechanism at the transom? Can anybody reccommed a particular type of grease? Also, what should I look for when it comes to oil? I would like to change myself... good idea?
Any advice on these topics AND OTHERS is greatly appreciated!!!
Joe

[Jan from Humboldt]

When flushing the salt out of the engine more is better, I let mine flush for 15-20 minutes, I also spray the entire motor off and direct the stream of fresh water into every crevice I see on the lower unit.

As for the grease use marine grade grease, Yamaha makes it as well as marine grade oil, I use both and have had no problems.

Have you got a water fuel seperating filter on your boat?

If not get one installed as the ethanol fuel can cause you problems.

You can download a copy of the owners manual from the Yamaha web site to view but you can't print it out, your local dealer will or should have them and of course you can order on line from Yamaha.

Welcome to the boards and just spend some time reading and/or use the search for topics of intrest as this is a great site and it has tons of great information and helpful folks.

Jan

[JBAMFORD]

Thanks Jan!
I appreciate you taking the time to respond... since the post I have been searching through archives finding lots of great info! Im hoping that I am not the only one in need of some general outboard maint. tips!
JB

[Jan from Humboldt]

I try to do most of the maintenance on my rig myself, some needs to be done by the shop of course as it requires special tools, a computer or training I just don't have.

Being that shop rates are some $70-$80 bucks an hour and the really good shops are real busy this time of the year the more you can do yourself the better off you are both in time and money.

I do however always buy my stuff at the place I got the boat and I keep a log of all maintenance and the recipts for same as documentation of owner upkeep.

[ksr5]

I pull the prop once a year looking for fishing line and making sure there is greaase on the splines. I also check twice a year the lower unit oil and replace every other year. Keep an eye on your fuel filter for dirt. Check your primer bulb they tend to get cracks in them after a couple years and that can cause problems on the water if you spring a leak i carry a spare with me all the time.

[Genelie]

One more thing you should do. @ west marine, or boater's world you can get a salt away flushing system. It looks a lot like those miracle grow spray product. You can attach to the lower end flush for 15 - 20 SECONDS and it kills ALL salt through out the water system in the motor. Plus you can use to hose off the boat as well.

[mtty]

Flush your motor until the thermostat opens. Five minutes may not be enough. As for the lube on the steering, my experience has been not to lube the rod with anything but WD-40. I used marine grease for the first two years and had to replace the cable last spring. Apparently the VOCs evaporate out of the grease after a while and leave gunk and crude the prevent the rod from sliding. There are a couple of grease fitting on the pivot point of the motorwhere it tilts up and down. I still use marine grease on them but after a $300 steering cable replacement I no longer use grease on the steering arm. Checking the prop shaft for mono is a good thing too. I change my lower unit oil annually.

[Mud Runner]

Originally Posted by JBAMFORD

Hey Everybody
I have flushed the engine at idle for 5min using the hose port on the engine everytime I bring the boat out of the saltwater... Joe

Joe,
Welcome to the Yamaha motor family. Using the attached hose port while the engine is running is not recommended. It is meant to flush the engine with it in the off position. To flush while the engine is running, it's recommended that you use a set of muffs that attach to the lower unit for that purpose. As far as oil goes, I would recommend using Yamaha oil and other Yamaha products while your warranty is in effect. Remember to also change the washers under the drain plugs to minimize any possibilty of leaks. You can buy the factory manual on like @

http://www.yamahapubs.com/html/year.jsp?type=OB

It's a little more expensive than the aftermarket books but it makes the job alot easier due to the fact that it specifically deals your model. The aftermarket book is too general. Congrats and good luck with your new boat.

[JBAMFORD]

Wow! What a great response effort!
Thanks to all who helped, It is much appreciated... "moretodaythenyesterday" Do hit the rods with wd-40 every time you go out? is there a better product? Thanks!


also, does any body know how to or if i should be lubing the tilt system? The push rods/pistons? seen to squeak a bit and are dry. Do they use hydraulic fluid? Thanks!!!
Joe

[McSpadden]

Just another thought, I have been spraying my motor's down with WD-40, cowling off and really wet it down for years now. I try to cover everything, wires, plastics, motor, everything I can get the WD-40 on. I run primarily in frest water so do this about once a month. The times I do run in salt, I spray the motor down prior to putting in, them wash it along with flushing and all and spray it down again. You have to really look hard to tell my motors have ever been in salt. If I get my hands on them prior to damage. I highly recommend the WD-40 treatment, it is inexpensive and works great.

Dave