TAKEOFF
BOAT TECH
FOUR-STROKE MAINTENANCE
Most basic outboard maintenance is outlined in the owner’s manual. If in doubt, consult an authorized dealer or mechanic.
W
BASIC UPKEEP FOR FOUR-STROKE OUTBOARD MOTORS
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hether you outfit your rig with a two-stroke or four-
stroke outboard hinges on the type of boat you’re
running and what your performance needs are on
the water. What’s much more cut and dry is the difference in
routine service schedules between the two.
Two-stroke maintenance has been covered extensively in
this and other publications. If you’re considering a four-
stroke and want to learn more about how to keep it perform-
ing optimally, whether your maintenance is done at home or
by a professional, the steps outlined here should help out.
We consulted members of the service crew at Toho
Marine and Outdoors in St. Cloud, Fla., one of the country’s
largest bass boat dealers, for the basics. Luckily, there are
some industry standards (and rough guidelines) to follow
when it comes to four-strokes, but some of the specifics vary
by make and model. If you decide to tackle it yourself, you’ll
want to consult your dealer to make sure you’re following the
proper maintenance procedures. And, it’s never a bad idea to
simply rely on the dealer to do the maintenance for you. If
that’s the route you go, you’ll understand the basics and
know what services are being provided after reading this.
By Joe Balog
photoS by mILLennIUm pRomotIonS, Inc.
Draining the engine oil.
FLWFISHING.COM I WINTER 2019