Fuel & Fuel System
Engine Oil & Lube
Lower Unit
Fuel & Fuel System
Power Trim & Tilt
Electrical System
Corrosion Prevention
Extended Storage
Propeller Solutions
External Appearance
Additional Tasks
KEEPING YOUR MACHINE CLEAN
The largest source of trouble with marine engines these days lies with the fuel and fuel system. Paying regular attention to both can help prevent major headaches down the road.
From hoses and connections to proper filtration and even fuel additives, time spent maintaining your fuel system helps keep you safe and your boat ready for action.
Protect Your Outboard from Ethanol
Ethanol has been added to most of today’s fuel supply as an oxygenate to help reduce emissions. It’s also used to extend domestic fuel supplies.
Ethanol is alcohol, and alcohol is “hygroscopic,” which means it attracts water molecules. Since nearly all outboard fuel tanks are vented to the atmosphere, water can (and will) collect in your fuel.
When the concentration of water molecules in your fuel tank reaches just 1⁄2 of 1%, the water molecules will bond with the alcohol and sink to the bottom, where your fuel pick up is. Depending on the amount of water ingested into your outboard, this can result in everything from running problems to catastrophic damage.
Ethanol, being alcohol, is also a powerful solvent that can loosen debris in your fuel tank and all the tanks and lines it was in before it got to you. Once in your outboard, this debris can cause everything from running issues to a no-start, no-run condition.
Clean & Replace Your Fuel Filters
This is typically on the front, side, or rear of the powerhead, and is usually made of plastic you can see through. It filters fuel coming into the outboard. This “primary” filter usually features a small water trap at the bottom of the cup.
This is the first filter after the 10-micron filter, so if there’s water in here, it’s time to change your 10-micron. On Yamaha outboards, there may be a red ring visible inside this filter. Don’t ever remove it. If it’s floating, you’ve got water in this filter’s trap. Time for a change.
Primary on-engine filters should be replaced after every 100 hours of engine operation.
Videos
Pre & Post Check | Yamaha Boating Academy
Additional Fuel System Tasks
- Components
Check the Fuel System Components
It’s important to visually and physically check the condition of the fuel hoses and connections for any signs of leaks or cracking each time you use your boat. Give everything the “sniff test.
You should also check your primer bulb. If the bulb does not become firm when squeezed prior to starting the engine, check for a possible fuel system leak. If none, replace the primer bulb. - Carbon
Get Rid of Carbon
Yamaha Internal Engine Cleaner is a dealer-only applied product that is the strongest and most effective way to clean out carbon and other build-up from the inside of your outboard. Once done, be sure to use Ring Free PLUS regularly to help keep it that way. - Carburetor
Clean the Carburetor
Late-model carburetors run very lean, with very small passages that can clog with gum and varnish. Use Yamalube® Carburetor Cleaner Dip full strength, or diluted using warm, soapy water, to help clean them up.
Tip: Be sure to follow directions. If yours is a 2-stroke carburetor, don’t immerse it in solvent for long periods of time; the special sealant used on it will be removed, resulting in damage and possible negative running issues. - Gas Containers
Fill Up the Gas Containers
Be sure to add Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS and Ring Free PLUS before filling them up, and keep them in a cool, dark place if possible. Containers available through Yamaha feature a “Spill-Proof Spout” which shuts off automatically when the container reaches capacity. This helps prevent spills and helps them comply with emissions requirements.
Your boat and outboard at your fingertips.
The Siren Connected Boat App
Dealer-completed service. DIY maintenance. Track it all with the Siren Connected Boat app. It puts a full maintenance history at your fingertips. Plus, you can remotely monitor and control critical boat systems and security, and more when properly equipped.