Hi, outboard motor is not just a phrase that beginners often search the Internet, but a symbol of the beginning of a great journey in the world of water. Buying the first outboard motor (outboard motor) is always accompanied by a lot of questions: how much power will be enough, which is better – a two-stroke or four-stroke, and how to generally start this “iron horse”.
In this article, we will look at all the stages of familiarization with a new technique, from choosing in a store to the first confident trip across the surface of the lake. break-in This is a critical process that cannot be ignored even if the seller has told you otherwise, and we will also cover security and basic maintenance issues so that your first season is complete without any unpleasant surprises.
Many novice water engines underestimate the importance of technical nuances, focusing only on power and price. screw-shoot And the quality of the fuel determines the life of the engine, so let's figure out what you need to know before you press the starter button.
Selection of engine type: two-stroke or four-stroke
The first thing that the buyer faces is the dilemma of choosing between the two. two-stroke (2T) and four-stroke (4T) engine: Two-stroke engines are traditionally easier, cheaper to buy and easier to transport, because they can be transported in any position, and have high specific power, which is important for planing light PVC boats.
On the other hand, four-stroke They're quieter, more economical, more environmentally friendly, they don't require oil to mix with gasoline, which makes it easier to refuel, but they're much heavier than their two-stroke counterparts. For a heavy boat or long walks, the 4T will be more comfortable, but for fishing in shallow water with frequent boat carrying, the 2T may be more practical.
It is important to consider the cost of maintenance. Repair two-stroke engine, as a rule, is cheaper, and its design is easier to fix minor problems on its own. Four-stroke engine requires more skilled service and regular change of oil in the crankcase.
You should also consider the ignition system when choosing. CDI The systems provide stable start-ups in all weather, while the old contact systems require regular cleaning and adjustment, and for a beginner, it is better to choose an electronically controlled model where human factor is minimized.
Technical preparation for the first launch
Before you can welcome your new motor to the water, you have to do a series of preparations. You can't just screw it to a transom and drive. shipping oilIf it is flooded by the manufacturer, or immediately replace it with a working one, if the engine is new and requires breaking in.
Pay special attention to the fuel system. Gasoline must be fresh, without impurities of water and dirt. For two-stroke engines, it is critical to properly prepare the fuel mixture, observing the proportions specified in the instructions (usually 1:25 or 1:50).
⚠️ Warning: Never run a motor without water! Dry work will instantly destroy the rubber impeller of the water pump, causing overheating and costly repairs.
The engine should be placed in the center, the height of the installation is adjusted so that the anti-cavitation plate is 10-20 mm below the bottom of the boat, the wrong height will lead to cavitation of the screw or, conversely, to increased water resistance.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Engine start-up and heating
Starting a cold engine is a procedure that requires a certain algorithm to be followed, and you first need to pump fuel into the carburetor (or injection system) with a pear primer before the characteristic sound of the leaking fluid appears. gaskle In the "Start" or "Choke" position.
For manual starter motors, pull the cord. If the engine is four-stroke and has an electric starter, make sure the battery is charged, and turn the key. After the first revolutions, the motor should grab it. Let it work at idle speed for a few minutes.
During the heating, watch the control stream of water that should flow out of the control hole. No jet is a signal to immediately turn off the engine. Also listen to the engine: foreign knocking or vibrations are not allowed.
What to do if the engine does not start?
If the engine doesn't start, check for sparks on the candle, the condition of the candle (dry or flooded), and the position of the valve on the fuel tank. Often the problem lies in the air traffic jam in the fuel line.
Warming up is especially important in the cold season, because oil takes time to spread through all the nodes of friction and acquire working viscosity, and the sudden opening of the throttle on a cold engine can lead to bullying in the cylinder.
New motor breaking in modes
Running is the process of working out the rubbing parts of the engine. Neglecting this step reduces the life of the engine by many times. In the first hours of operation (usually from 5 to 10 hours of motor operation), you must observe a gentle mode. It is not recommended to develop more than 50% of the maximum power.
There's a misconception that you have to drive a motor at full speed. overheating In the early stages, it can cause irreversible changes in the metal, and the engine must operate in different modes, changing speeds, but not reaching the limit values.
| Hours of operation | Recommended load | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 1 hour | Idle move | Warming, systems testing |
| 1- 2 hours | 20-30% power | Low speed traffic |
| 2 - 10 hours | 50% capacity | Short-term accelerations |
| 10+ hours | Full power. | Oil replacement (for 4T) |
After the first 10 hours of operation, be sure to perform maintenance. For four-stroke engines, this is a replacement for the rolling oil, which contains a lot of metal shavings from laundry parts. For two-stroke engines, the bolt stretch and the state of the spark plug are checked.
Safety and management of the boat
Controlling a motorized boat requires an understanding of fluid dynamics. A boat has inertia, and its braking distance is much greater than that of a car. pulp or two-handed rumpling, especially on the wave.
The most important element of security is safety-check This is a rope that attaches to the driver's lifeline, and when it falls overboard, the check is pulled out, and the engine dies, preventing the screw from hitting a person or the boat from drifting.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting a movement, always make sure that there are no people, floating objects or algae in the water near the propeller that can wind on the shaft.
When you maneuver, remember that not only does the engine turn, but you also add gas. At idle speeds, the boat hardly listens to the steering wheel. For a sharp turn, use the "gas in turn" technique, but be careful with roll.
Basic maintenance and conservation
The motor doesn't end after you get out of the water, and after every trip, especially if you've been swimming in salt water, you have to flush the cooling system with fresh water, and you have to use special water intake nozzles.
Visual inspection of the body for chips and scratches is also mandatory. The damaged corrosion layer must be immediately restored with special paint, otherwise the aluminum alloy will corrosion. Lubrication of the junctions of the rummel and the cables gas / switching will prevent acidification.
For long-term storage (winter), be sure to drain water from the cooling system or use antifreeze, and stabilize the fuel in the tank to avoid tar formation.
Keep the motor upright so that the water is completely glass from the exhaust system and the carburetor. Cover the engine with a case to protect it from dust and ultraviolet light, which destroys rubber seals and plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many hours does the outboard motor run?
Standard break-in takes between 5 and 10 hours depending on the manufacturer, during which time you can not give full load. Tohatsu, Yamaha or Mercury.
Which oil is best used for a two-stroke engine?
Use only special oils with labels TC-W3They're designed for water technology, they mix well with gasoline and they burn without producing a lot of carbon, and automobile oils are not suitable for that.
Why does the engine stop at high speeds?
There are several reasons: a clogged fuel filter, a broken tank ventilation (clogged valve in the lid), or an incorrect screw, which causes the engine to run in overload mode, and water can enter the fuel system.
Do I need to change the oil in the gearbox every season?
Yes, the gearbox oil is recommended to be changed once a season or every 100 motor hours, and if the oil has acquired a milky shade, then the water has got into the gearbox through the glands, and they need to be replaced urgently, otherwise the gears will rust.
Can I keep a motor with a full tank of gasoline?
Yes, it's even preferable to prevent the tank walls from oxidizing, but the gasoline must be fresh or contain a stabilizer, and the old fuel turns into a resinous substance in the winter that will clog the carburetor.