The open water season can end suddenly, and before each water motor there is a question of preservation or moving equipment. Transportation of four-stroke outboard motor It's not just moving a load from point A to point B, it's a complex technical process that requires strict compliance, and unlike two-stroke units, there's an oil crankcase, which places strict limits on the angles of inclination when you move.
Ignoring manufacturer’s instructions can lead to leakage motor-oil It's also a risk of fuel getting into the lubrication system, which will require expensive replacement of all the technical fluids, and getting the unit ready for the road is a guarantee that next season your equipment will start the first time.
In this article, we'll look at all the intricacies of the process, from fuel draining to trailer fixing on the transom, and learn why you can't just turn the engine upside down and how to protect lower unit from mechanical damage. A smart approach will save your engine life for years to come.
Features of the design of four-stroke engines
The main difference between the four-stroke power plant and the two-stroke one is the presence of a full-fledged crankcase lubrication system. engine-case There's a constant oil that's controlled by a probe, and that's what the basic rules of transportation are: you can't roll it any way you want, or it'll flow into the combustion chamber or, worse, into the intake system.
The design is present oil-pump It's also a valve mechanism that is sensitive to position in space, and if you're in the wrong position for a long time, you can get aggressive gasoline vapors into the oil, which reduces its lubricating properties, and the heavy flywheel and crankshaft put a lot of stress on the bearings when you vibrate if the motor is not properly fixed.
It's important to understand that the weight of a four-stroke is much higher than a two-stroke of similar power. transmutation And using reinforced anchorages in transportation, and lightweight behavior can cause the rods to break or the trunk of the boat to deform while driving on rough roads.
- 🛑 The presence of a crankcase with oil prohibits a complete revolution of the engine.
- ⚙️ A complex gas distribution system requires careful treatment of vibrations.
- ⚖️ The heavy weight requires reinforced mounting knots to the boat.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the engine upside down, even for a short time, and the oil will instantly flood the candle well and can hit the cylinders, creating a risk of hydraulic shock.
Why are four-strokes heavier?
Four-stroke engines have a more complex design: a separate oil crankcase, a valve mechanism (OHV or OHC), a more massive cylinder block, and often a water-cooled system with a thermostat.
Preparation of the fuel system to the road
The first step is to use fuel, and leaving gasoline in the system for winter storage or long-distance transportation is a bad idea. Modern fuels tend to oxidize and lose their properties, forming a resinous plaque that clogs. carburetor They're also fuel injectors, and they're also fuel vapors that put pressure on the tank.
There are two basic approaches: a full drain of fuel or a stabilizer, and if you're planning to move the engine to the winter, you'd better fully generate the fuel from the float chamber, and you could start the engine and shut off the gas tap, letting it stall on its own. fuel-channel There will be no flammable liquid left.
If you're talking about short-term transportation, for example, from a cottage to a reservoir, you can have fuel in the tank, but you better disconnect the hose. Be sure to check the tightness of all the connections. Shaking and vibration can weaken the clamps, and the fuel vapors will start to come out, which is not safe in the confined space of the trailer or the body of the car.
- ⛽ Pour the fuel out of the float chamber, letting the engine stall.
- 🔒 Disconnect the fuel hose from the engine connector.
- 🧴 Use a fuel stabilizer if the gasoline stays in the tank for a long time.
⚠️ Attention: When draining fuel, use a special tank. Spilt gasoline is not only fire-prone, but also damages polymers, which are often made of floors in garages or car bodies.
Pluming oil and antifreeze: should it be done?
The question of oil draining during transportation is one of the most controversial. Unlike two-stroke engines, where the mixture is prepared in advance, here the oil is in the crankcase. If you are transporting the engine in a strictly vertical position or on a special stand, drain the oil. requiredHowever, if you have to make a difficult transportation with possible slopes, some services recommend this procedure.
The cooling system also requires attention. If you're operating a motor in salt water, you have to wash it with fresh water before you store it. water-shirt They can corrosion during long periods of downtime, and when transported in freezing weather, the water must be drained completely, otherwise the ice will tear the cylinder block.
To drain the oil, use a regular hole, closed by a cork. Prepare a wide container, as the waste oil can be hot immediately after work. After the drain, twist the cork back to avoid getting dust and dirt into the engine during transportation. rubbing.
The table below gives recommendations for liquids depending on the type of transportation:
| Type of transport | Fuel. | Oil in the crankcase | Water in the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical (on the trailer) | Delete or stabilize | Leave | Dump (winter) |
| Horizontal (in the trunk) | Just the drain. | You'll have to drain. | You'll have to drain. |
| Long-term storage | Just the drain. | Replace by a new one | Flee and blow |
When changing oil before winter canning, pour fresh oil right away. The acids in the used oil can aggressively affect the internal parts of the engine during downtime.
Rules of inclination: can I put the engine
The most critical point is the angle of inclination. Owner's Manual Usually, four-stroke motors can be tilted only to the starboard side (in the course of travel) or to the left side, but in no case upside down, this is due to the location of the valves and oil channels.
When you tilt the forbidden side, the oil drifts into the combustion chamber. The next time you start, the liquid doesn't shrink, which leads to a loss of energy. hydrostrikeThe consequences can be fatal, from the bend of the rods to the breakdown of the cylinder block, even if the engine just lies on the side for a long time, oil can leak through the piston rings.
If you need to put the motor (for example, to load into the car), make sure you tilt it to the correct side specified in your model manual. Yamaha, Mercury or TohatsuOften, there's a sticker or engraved on the bracket of the pads to indicate the direction of safe tilt, and ignoring this rule is the quickest way to send the engine into major repairs.
- 📏 Follow the inclination angle specified in the instructions (usually no more than 90 degrees).
- 🔃 Turn the engine only in the permitted direction (most often on the starboard side).
- ⏳ Do not keep the motor in an inclined position for longer than necessary.
The main rule: if the instructions do not say that the motor can be placed horizontally, then it can only be transported vertically or with a minimum inclination.
Motor fixation on transom and trailer
Safety on the road depends on how securely the load is secured. The motor must be rigidly fixed on the transom of the boat using standard rods or bolt connection. Before leaving, check the puff of all nuts. Vibration is able to unwind even well-clamped connections, so using the use of a slug is not necessary. growers Or the carving fixer will be useful.
It is recommended to use a special transport stop (lamb), which fixes the lower unit in an upright position, this will prevent the screw from bolting and damage to the anti-cavitation plate against the transom or the side of the boat. If there is no standard stop, you can use a belt thrown over the lower unit and fixed on the frame of the boat, but not on the screw itself.
When transporting by trailer, make sure that the motor boat is balanced. A heavy four-stroke on the transom shifts the center of gravity back, so the boat's nose can rise. Check the load on the trailer's breather. Also remember to remove the removable propeller if the road is very uneven to avoid damage or loss.
☑️ Pre-departure checks
⚠️ Attention: Never attach safety cables or belts to the handle of the bumper or to the elements of the gas/reverse control system. These units are not designed to weigh the entire engine and can break in motion.
Protection of lower unit and the screw-helm complex
lower unit is the bottom of the motor that sinks into water. When transported, it remains open and vulnerable to impacts from rocks, branches and road debris. Scratches on lower unit not only damage the appearance, but can also become hotbeds of corrosion, especially if the motor was used in salt water. Use a special transport case made of dense fabric or neoprene to protect.
The screw and the lower unit puck also require attention. If you don't remove the screw, make sure it's securely lawntric. Vibration can loosen the nut. The best solution for long trips on bad roads is to dismantle the screw and store it separately in a lubricated box. This will take the load off the lower unit shaft.
Pay attention to the condition of the lower unit washer (anodic protection). If it is badly worn, replace it before the season. When transporting in the back of a pickup truck or on the roof of a car, make sure that the exhaust holes are closed from dust and dirt, which will be difficult to clean from the exhaust. silencer exhaust gases.
- 🧥 Use a protective cover for lower unit from dust and shocks.
- 🔩 Check the screw nut tightening before the road.
- 🛡️ Look at the state of the anodic protection (dadewood puck).
Do I need to lubricate the screw before storage?
Yes, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of waterproof lubricant to the screw shaft before installation, which will prevent the screw from sticking to the shaft and make it easier to remove it in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I carry a four-stroke motor lying in the trunk?
Only if the specific model instruction permits it. Most 4 tactile devices cannot be placed horizontally because of the risk of oil hitting the cylinders. If you need to put them, do it only on the authorized side and be sure to drain the oil and fuel.
Do I need to remove the motor from the boat for transportation on a trailer?
No, not necessarily. Many water-engines carry the engine in a suspended state, the main thing is to securely lock it with a transport stop and a safety belt so that it does not hang on the bumps.
What happens if oil gets into the cylinder during transportation?
At launch, a hydraulic shock may occur because the liquid does not contract, which will cause the rod or piston group to break. Before starting after improper transportation, unscrew the candles and turn the engine several times with the starter to knock out the oil.
How to protect your engine from corrosion after the season?
Wash the cooling system with fresh water, treat the outer surfaces with a spray preservative for engines and store the unit in a dry room, and it is also recommended to treat the metal parts with a thin layer of oil.
Can I keep a full tank of gasoline for the winter?
Not recommended. Gasoline loses its properties in 3-6 months. It is better to either fully develop the fuel or fill the tank to the brim (so there is no air) and add a stabilizer, but for transportation it is better to empty the tank.