Transporting an outboard motor is a step that is often underestimated, focusing only on the reliability of the boat or trailer itself. engine-piece They suffer the most from shaking, bumping and incorrect position when driving on public roads. Unlike two-stroke counterparts, four-stroke technology has an oil crankcase, which imposes a number of severe restrictions on their movement in space.
Incorrect installation can lead to the fact that oil will hit the cylinders It's also a risk of damage to the lower unit pipe or mounts if the motor is hanging on a transom without additional fixation, and in this article we'll take a look at the nuances so that your trip to the water isn't the last one for your engine.
Preparation of the motor for transportation
Before you think about how to put the unit on board, you need to do a number of preparatory work directly on the water or on the slip. flush the cooling system It's a fresh water solution, especially if you've been operating in salty or muddy water, and it's going to prevent corrosion and salt deposits inside the cooling shirt during downtime.
The most important step is to work with the fuel system, and many owners make the mistake of leaving a tank full of gasoline in the engine tank. Carburetor engines And the injection systems can suffer from fumes or leaks when shaking, and it's recommended to extract fuel from the float chamber or shut down the supply completely.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the fuel hose connected and pressurized during long haulage, which can lead to depressurization of joints and a fire hazard in the enclosed space of the body.
You should also check the condition of the lower unit tube for cracks or dents. metal-deformationWhen you're vibrating, it can become a serious crack, so make sure the lower unit screw is securely locked or removed so it doesn't unwind.
☑️ Preparation of the motor to the road
Do I need to drain the oil before the road?
The issue of draining oil from the crankcase is one of the most controversial among owners. four-stroke enginesManufacturers often point out in manuals that short-term transportation over short distances is allowed without draining, but only if the angle of inclination is strictly observed. However, the experience of mechanics suggests the opposite: any shaking contributes to the movement of fluid.
If you plan to drive on good paved roads and the distance does not exceed 50-70 kilometers, you can do without draining, but the engine must be in a strictly vertical position or with a minimum inclination. oil-fog will not have time to climb through the ventilation channels to the piston group in dangerous quantities.
So it's a very different situation when you're on dirt roads, where you get a lot more shaking, and you get a lot more risk of throwing oil into the combustion chamber, if you don't want to risk your health. piston-groupIt's better to take 15 minutes to drain the oil, which ensures that whatever position the motor is inside the crankcase is clean.
What happens if you don't drain the butter?
If oil hits the cylinder, it can hydraulic shocks when it starts, because the liquid is incompressible, it will deform the rod or even break through the cylinder block, and it will also smoke heavily and throw oil into the exhaust, polluting the environment and clogging the catalyst.
Prepare the tank and the funnel for the drain, unscrew the crankcase drain plug and let the workflow drain completely, and then the cork should be twisted with the recommended effort, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread on the wall. aluminum-cartridge.
In which position to transport: vertically or on the side
The perfect option for anyone outboard So, in this case, all the components are in a natural state, nothing flows in, and the load on the mounts is evenly distributed, but this is not always possible in practice because of the size of the boat or the height of the car.
If vertical transportation is impossible, you have to put the motor down, and that's the main mistake that newcomers make: they put the motor on the side opposite to where the valves are located, and most four-stroke valves have one side and the exhaust system on the other. It is critically important to lay the motor on the side of the exhaust system, so that the valve is on top.
When you put the oil on the wrong side, the crankcase oil will immediately fill the valve mechanism and enter the combustion chamber. Even if you drain the oil, there are residues in the channels that flow down when you shake, so remember the rule: the valves must look up.
| Motor position | Risk of oil intake | Recommended distance | The need to drain oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertically. | Minimum | Anybody | Not required |
| On the side (valve up) | Medium. | Up to 100 km | Preferably. |
| On the side (valve down) | critical | Forbidden. | Sure. |
| Upside down. | Highly | Forbidden. | Sure. |
Rules for anchorages on transom and in body
Just putting the motor on board is not enough, it needs to be fixed securely, and when the car moves, inertial forces arise that can displace even a heavy unit. The main mount is through rods or bolts to the transom of the boat. cross-board It can withstand the weight of the motor when it snags.
Use safety belts, pass the belt through the lower unit leg (carefully without touching the lower unit screw) and fasten it on the sides of the boat or body parts, which will prevent the engine from tipping over under sharp braking. Do not use it for fastening. fuel-hose Electrical wires – they are not designed for such loads.
If the motor is transported upright on the trailer, be sure to use a special stop or support to fix the lower unit leg from rocking. Wind and vibration can shatter the motor, which will lead to destruction. fastener Or the transom.
⚠️ Attention: When strap-mounted, do not over-stretch. Excessive force can deform plastic casings or even damage the lower unit pipe, especially if the belt's fulcrum is on thin structural elements.
To protect against the flying from the wheels of rocks and dirt, as well as from the oncoming wind, it is better to wear a special transport case on the engine. If there is no cover, use a dense tarp, but be sure to leave ventilation gaps so that condensation does not form inside.
Protection from external environment and mechanical damage
Road dust, dirt, reagents and small stones are the main enemies of the external surfaces of the motor during transportation. Painting aluminum is strong enough, but constant abrasive sand treatment at a speed of 80-90 km / h turns matte surfaces into rough and dull.
Pay special attention to the protection of the lower unit screw. Even a light pebble can disrupt the balance of the screw, which will lead to vibrations on the water and reduce efficiency. The ideal solution is to remove the screw and install it in a special pencil case or box inside the car.
Use an old sock or a special fabric pad on a lower unit screw if you don't remove it, which will soften the blows of small pebbles and protect the blades from chipping.
It's also worth closing the inlets of the cooling system and the exhaust pipe with rags or plugs so that water, dust or insects don't get there. exhaust manifold must remain dry, otherwise, at the first start, steam may go or reverse thrust may occur.
Remember that the sun's rays during prolonged parking can heat plastic casings to high temperatures. If you use plastic film, make sure that it does not fit tightly to hot parts, as it can melt and stick, spoiling the appearance. plastic-shell.
Actions after delivery to water
Once you have arrived and set the boat on the water, do not immediately pull the starter. If the engine was on the side or the oil did not drain, let it stand in the vertical position for at least 15-20 minutes. glass back to the crankcase from the channels of the block head and exhaust system.
Before launching, carefully inspect the lower unit for fuel or oil leaks that may have appeared in transit. Check the tightening of the fasteners, as vibration may have weakened the connections. Make sure that the lower unit screw is free of foreign objects.
Start the engine at idle speeds and listen carefully to its operation. If you hear an uncharacteristic knock or see thick white smoke from the exhaust, immediately turn off the engine. This may indicate that oil has entered the cylinders, and the engine takes time to burn out No load.
The main rule after transporting the bench is to hold the engine upright before starting, which will save the piston group from hydraulic shock and prolong the life of the engine for hundreds of hours.
Only by making sure that the cooling system works properly (the water jet appears) and that you can start moving at a steady rate, and proper transportation is a guarantee that your four-stroke friend will last for years without expensive repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I carry a four-stroke engine upside down?
Absolutely not. In this position, the oil will completely flood the valve mechanism and spark plugs, even a brief inverted state can lead to serious consequences when started.
Do I need to remove the battery during transportation?
Yes, it is better to remove the battery and transport it upright in the cabin of the car, separate from the boat, which will eliminate the risk of short circuit when vibrating and protect the battery from deep discharge if there are leakage currents in the system.
How do you know which side of the valve is on?
The valves are usually on the side opposite the exhaust pipe, and you can also remove the top plastic casing: the valves are located in the head of the cylinder block. Yamaha, Honda or Mercury.
Is it dangerous to carry a full tank of gasoline?
This is dangerous because of the overpressure of gasoline vapor and the risk of leaking through the glands when shaking, it is better to produce the fuel to a minimum or drain it into a can before loading.