motortips

We really like the 9.9 and 15hp 2stroke Evinrudes and Johnsons. They made these motors with the same parts for 20+ years. For the horsepower they put out compared to the weight - 72lbs. for the short shaft - they are a good deal compared to the new heavy, gutless but quiet, 4strokes. Problem is the longshafts when used as a kicker/trolling motor need a separate tank for the oil mix, but a nice one with electric start will sell for only $1100. They are easy to work on. Parts are easy to find and all mechanics know how to fix them. A 15hp on a 10' or 12' inflatable will really scoot. They have the most power you can tote around easily, have a great carry handle, and they don't care what side you set them down on. A lot of the outboards we see have been stored and show little use. Some are like new. We like to work on them. If you have a motor, parts or a problem, call us.

SOME OF THE THINGS WE SEE ALOT

1. Bad Gas - You're lucky if gas stays good for 6 months without adding a stabilizer. Small motors don't like fuel that is turning to varnish. The little orifices in their little carbs get plugged. First sign is no idle but it runs up OK. Then no start, with no fuel on the plugs. We rebuild a lot of carbs. Run your motor dry before storage. Water in the tank is another thing to be looking for.

2. Too Much Oil - " 50 to 1, that looks right, well a little more can't be bad " What happens is the extra oil builds up in the tank and in not too many fills and you are 5 to 1. Spark has a hard time firing that off, if it can get thru the carb. Get the measuring cup and make adding oil like you're in chemistry lab. Small outboards run really nice on a 75 to 1 mix with SYNTHETIC outboard oil. Plugs stay cleaner and the idle is better.

3. Fuel Line Leak - Starts and runs then quits. It will keep running if you pump the bulb. There is a leak at one of the fittings in the fuel line so it's sucking air. At the tank, bulb, or motor. Folks will get a good running motor from us then call, saying it starts and quits. A new tank and line are good. Be sure the vent is open for running.

4. Not Peeing - First thing to try is blow compressed air into the pee hole while the motor is running. If this doesn?t get you a stream, then replacing the water pump impeller is next. They will go bad from just sitting, or from running the motor dry for even a few minutes.

5. You Think There's No Spark - Pull a plug, put the wire on it, hold the plug against the motor and pull it over. If you can get it to spark, then you are good. No spark is a problem. You can try replacing the coils or the "brain box". There are more electrical parts under the flywheel, but checking that out requires serious tools. Shop fix.

6. Lower Unit Oil - Change yearly, mostly to check for water in the oil that will look brown and milky. Should be blue/green and clear. Pull the upper and lower plugs and let the fluid run out. They sell a cheap pump rig that you screw into the bottom hole and pump the new fluid in until it comes out the top hole. If there was water, a seal is bad. If there is a bunch of metal that is bad.

STOLEN OUTBOARDS

They are usually Honda, Yamaha or other late model 4strokes. They want an OK price, but the big tip off is you have to meet them somewhere, some parking lot half way or something. If you get one stolen, watch Craigs List, outboard thieves are dumb. You can email us, and if they come in with it, or put it on CL, it's high sport for us to catch one of these guys.