| Your outboard engine was hopefully winterized | | | | 6. Check the recoil starter - lubricate it - also the |
| and now is ready for its annual service. You could | | | | pull rope for any wear. |
| take your outboard to your local marine mechanic | | | | 7. Check the gear and throttle cables for any |
| to do this service. Or you might want to do the | | | | damage - lubricate all linkages. |
| various tasks yourself if you are reasonably | | | | 8. Check the tilt mechanism - grease it and the |
| confident about your abilities. Each task is quite | | | | clamp screws while you have the grease out. |
| simple to do - nothing too difficult. You need a | | | | 9. Lubricate the prop shaft. |
| small selection of tools, some grease, lubricant | | | | 10. Bleed the auto lube pump - check for air in |
| spray, engine oil and gear oil. Once you have | | | | system. |
| these things around you are ready to start! | | | | 11. Check the ignition timing - adjust if needed. |
| There are quite a lot of little tasks to do when | | | | 12. Adjust the carburetor pilot screws if they |
| you are going to service your outboard engine. | | | | need it - otherwise leave as is. |
| If you use this checklist you should cover just | | | | 13. Change the engine oil. |
| about everything: | | | | Start your outboard up after doing these tasks |
| 1. Change the gear oil - and while you are doing | | | | and listen to it. Check to see if water is exiting |
| this see if any water has got through the seals. | | | | the exhaust. Then adjust the throttle - the engine |
| 2. Replace the spark plugs - some people just | | | | should have a smooth pick from idle. The |
| clean the old ones, but buy new. | | | | maximum revs should be achieved. Return to idle |
| 3. Strip down and clean the fuel filter. | | | | speed and check to see if does maintain its |
| 4. Strip down the water pump - clean any | | | | correct idle speed , now that the engine is hot. |
| corrosion. | | | | With the throttle working smoothly, check all |
| 5. Check the flywheel nut and nuts around the | | | | other functions, including the stop button! Happy |
| cylinder head. | | | | motoring! |