Motor Boat - Trouble-Shooting and Maintenance

Trouble-Shooting and Maintenance

The engine’s operating instructions usually provide information and advice on trouble-shooting, minor repairs and maintenance.

To prevent breakdowns, boaters should make a habit of staying alert to signs of motor wear and tear.  Similarly, it is advisable to keep spare parts in the tool box and learn to perform basic repairs.

Follow these safety rules when performing repairs:

• Tie back long hair.
• Use the proper tools.
• Remember that even a small motor can give off a major electrical discharge.
• Disconnect the fuel line and spark plug cables.
• Avoid operating the motor in an enclosed area.
• Read the operating instructions before starting the motor.

Repair Kit

The repair kit should be air-tight and contain:

• One funnel with filter
• One knife
• Pliers (long-nose and standard)
• Flat and star (Phillips) screwdrivers
• One feeler gauge for spark plugs
• One spark-plug key
• One container of penetrating oil
• Cotter pins and one shear pin
• Spare fuses 3 Disposable cloths
• Monkey wrench (for motor bolts)
• A roll of electrical adhesive tape
• Spare spark plugs
• One starter rope

---

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR VESSEL IN GOOD WORKING ORDER TO AVOID MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS.

---

Troubleshooting

Operating Problem	Possible Causes
Motor won't start	Fuel tank is empty Supply line is disconnected Throttle not in Start position Loose spark plug Selector not in Neutral
Motor starts but not easily	Gas level too low Air inlet of tank is closed Fuel line is bent Primer bulb not pressed enough (should be firm) Choke valve not operating properly Fuel contaminated by water or impurities Loose spark plug wire Spark plug dirty or improper spark gap Engine requires a tune up
Motor running in fits and starts	Water or impurities in fuel Idle mixture adjusting needle of carburetor requires adjustment Spark plugs are defective (see above problem)
Propeller not turning	Debris caught in propeller Selector not in drive Shear pin broken
Motor vibrates	Fastening clamps are not properly tightened. The propeller is unbalanced.
Motor suddenly stops	Fuel tank is empty No oil in fuel (two-stroke engine) Loose spark plug Cooling water intakes obstructed or the water pump defective

---

Maintenance Schedule

	Pre-Season	In Season	Post-Winter
Fuel tank	Do not use tainted oil Keep clean and dry	Mix proper proportion of oil and fuel. Ensure that fuel is free of humidity	Drain completely
Fuel line	Check condition of hose (cracks, poor connections)	Check for leaks	Empty
Gas filter	Check and clean	Check and clean	Check and clean
Motor			Store upright
Starter cord	Change if worn
Wires	Check condition of wires (cracks, slack, corrosion)
Spark plugs	Clean and correct spark plug gap; change as required	Look for signs of spark plug fouling and humidity Maintain motor in good condition Clean spark plugs and correct spark plug gap as required.	Dismantle
Cylinders	Check pressure		Protect interior of cylinders with rust-proofing Blow out cylinders
Moving parts	Lubricate all moving parts	Lubricate every 60 days	Lubricate
Motor base	Empty oil pan and refill with new gear oil	Repeat after every 100 hours of operation or at least once per season	Empty oil pan and refill with new gear oil
Cooling system	Clean conduits	Ensure that openings are free of plant material Desalt certain models in fresh water after salt water use	Desalt in fresh water Drain water completely by activating starter cord after disconnecting spark plugs
Propeller	Sand or file cracked surfaces	Check condition regularly	Check whether repairs are required
Exterior	Clean and touch-up paint as required If motor is used in saltwater, repaint with rust-resistant, anti-mildew paint. Treat with zinc pain	Keep clean	Clean and touch-up paint as required

Be aware of the Small Vessel Regulations pertaining to engine power and load capacity.

As a boat owner or operator you should know that the "recommended gross load capacity" that can be safely carried in the hull concerned:

1. Includes the total weight of persons, equipment, stores, fuel, motor assembly and steering controls
2. Is indicated with the "equivalent number of adult persons"
3. Is indicated on a Capacity Plate which, if fitted, is permanently attached to the pleasure craft

The capacity plate also indicates the "recommended safe limits of engine power" for the hull concerned. This calculation is based on the recommended gross load capacity.

Boating Trip Plans

Trip Plans

Another useful safety measure is filing a trip plan. Before heading out, the operator of a pleasure craft should complete a thorough trip plan and file it with a responsible person who is familiar with the instructions to follow in case of emergency. During the trip, the plan should be updated to avoid an unnecessary call for help should you decide to deviate from your original plan. Filing a trip plan will assist rescuers when it is necessary to initiate a call for search and rescue in case of emergency.

The trip plan should contain the following information:

• name and registration number of craft
• type of craft .. sailing or power driven
• name, address and phone # of owner
• number of persons on board
• size, type and colour of craft
• engine type (inboard, outboard)
• distinguishing features of craft
• type of radiotelephone and channel monitored
• safety equipment on board
• emergency instructions
• trip description: departure time, return time, and proposed route

Pre-departure Checklist

Another helpful tip is to make and fill-out a checklist of all required equipment and supplies prior to leaving the dock. This will help to avoid situations which could lead to unnecessary emergencies, (such as running out of fuel, dehydration, hypothermia etc).

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is an item that is often overlooked when equipping a pleasure craft. These items could be kept in a plastic bag or a sealable watertight plastic container of sufficient size.

This kit should include:

• a flashlight
• a whistle
• a knife
• a first aid kit
• emergency rations
• drinking water
• dry clothing.