The open water season is coming to an end, and every owner of a small boat faces the question of logistics: how to safely deliver a power plant from water to a garage or cottage. Two-stroke engines They have a unique design and specific operating requirements that are radically different from the rules for transporting four-stroke analogues. Incorrect position of the unit during transportation can lead to serious breakdowns, such as water entering the cylinders or leakage of the osteoils.
Many beginners make the mistake of thinking that it is enough to simply screw the motor to the transom and pull the boat along the highway, but vibration, headwind and tilts when cornering create extreme conditions for the motor to be used in the boat. carburetor In this article, we will discuss the technical details that will help you keep your equipment in perfect condition for many years to come.
Special attention should be paid to preparing the engine before the start of the movement, and ignoring simple rules, such as the discharge of fuel or the correct position of the lower unit, often causes expensive repairs in the spring. Transportation It is not just a movement of cargo, it is a complex process that requires an understanding of the physics of the engine.
Why it is important to follow the rules of transportation for two-stroke
Two-stroke internal combustion engines are structurally different from four-stroke engines in that they lubricate the rubbing vapors by a mixture of gasoline and oil. If the engine is in the wrong position during transportation, this mixture can flow where it should not be. At best, you get a flooded candle and start problems, at worst, a hydrostroke or damage. crankshaft.
Another critical factor is the water remaining in the cooling system, and even a small amount of liquid entering the cylinder through the exhaust windows when tilted can cause corrosion or destroy the piston group on the first run. Tightness The exhaust system of two-strokes is not designed to retain large volumes of water with long inclinations.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a two-stroke motor in the transom position for long periods of parking if the lower unit is submerged or tilted, which can lead to water being sucked into the cylinder through the exhaust manifold.
In addition, vibrations when driving on public roads affect fasteners. grazing-stap If you don't tighten properly, you can loosen and fall, damage to the lower unit or the propeller, and if you fix it properly, you can make sure that not only the vehicle is safe, but you're safe for other road users.
Preparation of the engine for the trip: the drain of fuel and oil
The first and most important step is to work with the fuel system, to leave the gasoline in the carburetor and fuel hoses for long haulage or winter storage is absolutely impossible. The light fractions of fuel evaporate, leaving behind a sticky sediment that clogs. jelly And the channels. That's the main reason why the engine doesn't start after winter.
The fuel-generating procedure is simple: disconnect the fuel hose from the engine and let the engine run at idle speeds until it dies on its own, which means that all the gasoline in the float chamber and carburetor is used up. For two-stroke engines, this is critical, because the old oil in the mixture loses its properties and becomes a resinous substance.
If you plan to store the engine for a long time, it is also recommended to blow out the fuel system. However, for a normal transportation from a reservoir home, it is enough to produce fuel. fuel-system.
☑️ Fuel system preparation
As for oil, in two-stroke engines, it is mixed with gasoline, so there is no separate oil crankcase. However, if you have a motor with a separate lubrication system (automix), the residue of oil from the tank is better removed or tightly closed the lid to avoid shaking. condensateThe stains produced in the tank are also undesirable, so try not to leave the tank completely empty for a long time, but to fill it with stabilized fuel.
Choosing the Right Position During Transportation
The question of how to position the motor is one of the most controversial of the water-engines, and there are three main options: vertically, horizontally and transversely, each with its own advantages and risks that owners need to consider. two-stroke.
The vertical position is considered the safest for the engine, but it is possible to implement in a passenger car or a small trailer, in which water flows freely from the lower unit, and oil is evenly distributed in detail, but the high center of gravity makes the structure unstable in sharp maneuvers.
The horizontal position is often used to save space, but requires strict adherence to orientation. The motor can be placed only on a certain side, so as not to pour a candle and damage the glands. carburetor It must be above the level of the cylinders so that the fuel does not flow by chance into the combustion chamber.
| Situation | Risks. | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Vertically. | High center of gravity, risk of falling | Ideal for storage and short trips in a vertical box |
| Horizontal (on the side) | Oil leakage into cylinder | Only on the exhaust side, after the fuel is generated |
| On the transom (tilt) | Water entering the cylinder | Only with a raised lower unit and a closed valve |
⚠️ Warning: When laying the motor horizontally, always orient it so that the spark plug is at the top, which minimizes the risk of hydraulic impact on the next start.
Transportation on the transom of the boat is only allowed for short distances, provided that the lower unit is raised to the transport position, in which case you need to use a special transport stop or lock so that the engine does not hang. Vibration can quickly destroy. squirt-board PVC boats, unless damping pads are used.
The secret to safe stowage
If you put the motor on your side, put a soft but elastic stand (such as a rolled blanket) under the lower unit so that the screw does not touch the floor and the weight is distributed evenly along the length of the lower unit, rather than on the gearbox.
Motor fixation in the vehicle
Reliable fastening is not just a matter of keeping your motor safe, it is also a matter of your life. Shifting a load of 30-50 kg during emergency braking can have tragic consequences. Textile straps with a ratchet mechanism are best used for fastening, as they do not damage the coating and provide strong tension.
Mount the motor should be at least two points: for the lower unit (closer to the gearbox, but not for the screw itself!) and for the deadville leg or brackets of the mount to the transom. gas-gas or a tiller, as these elements are not designed for high loads on rupture or fracture.
When transporting in the back of a pickup truck or trailer, use anti-slip mats for an outboard motor, which will reduce vibration and prevent the load from moving even when the belts are weakened by a couple of millimeters. Vint It is better to dismantle and carry separately in the box so that it does not damage other things and does not become blunted against a hard coating.
If you use a motor case, make sure it fits tightly and has vents. A wet case can become a source of corrosion if the motor is stored in it all winter without drying. Aluminum alloysThe stains from which the lower units are made are sensitive to prolonged contact with moist fabric.
Use old car tires cut in half as soft stops to fix the engine in the body, rubber perfectly extinguishes the vibration and prevents the metal from slipping.
Protection from the external environment and corrosion
Road dust, the reagents that are sprinkled on the tracks, and the oncoming airflow is an aggressive environment for a outboard motor. Salt water is especially dangerous: salt crystals, when dried on the surface of the metal, begin to actively erode the protective coating and the metal itself. So after every trip on the sea or salt lake, the motor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water.
When transporting in an open trailer or on the roof of the car, be sure to use a protective cover. It must be made of water-repellent fabric and have bands or bands at the bottom so that the wind does not tear it away on the go. carburetor And the air filter is instantly clogged with dust, which disrupts the mixture.
To further protect metal surfaces, especially in the areas where the paint chips are broken, you can use special preservative sprays or WD-40, which create a thin film that repels moisture. Pay special attention to the places where the lower unit attaches to the deadville leg, which is where the most common time begins. electrochemical.
Don't forget rubber cells. Glues, gaskets and fuel hoses can dry out and crack under UV and ozone. If you're moving your motor in the summer under the scorching sun, try to minimize the time that rubber seals get directly exposed to sunlight.
Post-arrival activities: conservation or launch
Once you have brought the engine home, take it easy to put it away in the far corner. If you want to store it for a long time (for example, for the winter), you need to perform a conservation procedure. It involves treating the internal cavities of the cylinders with special conservation oil, to do this, oil is injected into the carburetor with the engine running or directly into the cylinder through a candle hole and then scrolling the crankshaft.
If you're going to use the engine anytime soon, just make sure it's completely dry. Rub all the outside surfaces with dry rags. Check lower unit for damage. Any scratches on the surface. antifouling It should be immediately covered to prevent corrosion.
Check the level of tightening of all screws and bolts after the trip. Vibration could weaken the connections. Pay special attention to the screw mounting and the nut of the dieville leg. Grease the hinges of the rotary mechanism and the tiller traction with a lubricant for outboard motors that is not washed away by water.
Proper preservation of the two-stroke engine before storage increases its life by 30-40% and ensures easy start at the beginning of the next season.
Do I need to remove the screw during transportation?
Removing the screw is always recommended if possible, it protects the blades from chipping when the engine is not neatly installed, saves the diewood glands from distortion and allows you to thoroughly wash and lubricate the screw shaft. In addition, the removed screw takes up less space and is easier to pack in soft containers.
Can I drive a motor with the remaining water in the pump?
Not recommended. The water left in the pump and cooling shirt will expand when frozen and may split the pump body or damage the impeller. Always let the motor drain or blow the system with compressed air before long parking.
How to properly store the engine in winter?
The ideal place is a dry, heated room with a constant temperature, the motor should stand upright, if this is not possible, it is allowed to store in an unheated garage, but the engine should be preserved, and the fuel system is completely empty. Cover it with a breathable case to avoid condensation.
What to do if the engine falls during transportation?
First, check the lower unit for cracks and dents. Check if the screw shaft will bend (try to twist the screw with your hand - it should rotate freely and without jamming). If there is doubt about the integrity of the deadville leg, do not start the engine, but contact the service to check the glands and gears of the gearbox.