HELPFULTIPS & SUGGESTIONS STORING YOUR OUTBOARD MOTOR ’
Storage Preparation
Proper storage preparation is essential for keeping your outboard motor
troublefree and looking good. The following steps will help to keep rust and
corrosion from impairing your outboard motor’s function and appearance, and
will make the engine easier to start when you use the outboard motor again.
Cleaning and Flushing
Wash the outside of the outboard motor with clean and fresh water as
described on page 42.
Touch up any damaged paint, and coat areas that may rust with a light film of
oil. Lubricate controls with a silicone spray lubricant.
Fuel
Gasoline will oxidize and deteriorate in storage. Old gasoline will cause hard
starting, and it leaves gum deposits that clog the fuel system. If the gasoline
in your fuel tank and carburetor deteriorates during storage, you may need to
have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.
The length of time that gasoline can be left in your fuel tank and carburetor
without causing functional problems will vary with such factors as gasoline
blend, your storage temperatures, and whether the fuel tank is partially or
completely filled. The air in a partially filled fuel tank promotes fuel deteriora-
tion. Very warm storage/temperatures accelerate fuel deterioration. Fuel
deterioration problems may occur within a few months, or even less if the
gasoline was not fresh when you filled the fuel tank.
The Distributor’s Limited Warranty does not cover fuel system damage or
engine performance problems resulting from neglected storage preparation.
You can extend fuel storage life by adding a fuel stabilizer that is formulated
for that purpose, or you can avoid fuel deterioration problems by draining the
fuel tank and carburetor.
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