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MARINE TECHNICIAN TODAY | SUMMER 2013
W
hat exactly is a tune-up ? A customer may think of it as
a cure-all for every conceivable problem his engine may
have now or in the future. Very often he or she will not
mention any other motor situations to you thinking that a tune-up will
fix everything that may be wrong. Certain shops may treat a tune-up
as just a gear-oil change, grease-job and new sparkplugs. By definition
a tune-up is a series of lubrications, tests, and adjustments that the
manufacturer requires at specified intervals to keep the engine in peak
operating condition.
Be on alert when a customer comes to you and says “It needs a tune-
up.” When that happens, be sure to ask if there are any specific issues
that may need to be addressed while the motor is in your shop. If you
don’t, it may come back to bite you in the butt when the customer
returns upset with a complaint that was never mentioned before.
A quality shop will perform various checks and procedures to keep their
customers happy and remaining loyal to them. No technician or shop
owner wants to hear about a customer stranded on the water like the
couple shown in Figure #1.
Most outboards require service every 100 hours or once a year,
whichever comes first. Evinrude E-TEC models have a longer schedule
– 3 years/300 hours in fresh-water with fresh-water recreational use.
Boaters in salt-water areas and those in commercial usage or high-
performance boating have shorter service periods because of the
corrosive nature of seawater and the heavier duty operating conditions.
A 4-stroke may require 50 hours or 6 month interval oil changes if the
motor is run at low speeds (trolling) or high speeds for extended periods
of time. If it has an “extended warranty,” in order to keep it valid, most
contracts state “…the engine must be maintained per manufacture’s
recommendations.” Keep in mind that the whole rig should be
visually inspected for overall condition and what service needs are to
be recommended.
Types of usage (commercial, high-performance, etc.) and environmental
conditions (salt, muddy, or shallow water) determine the type and the
frequency of service needed. Discuss water pump and thermostat
servicingwith your customer. This also depends on operating conditions
and type of use as well as engine hours.
Do not attempt to service without the correct service manual, tools,
supplies and a thorough understanding of the procedures. Use
common sense and observe safety precautions around moving
parts, flammable liquids, and high voltage ignitions. With both
2-stroke and 4-stroke engines, each particular outboard is different
and may have additional items that have to be addressed. This
article is only an overview of servicing procedures.
INSPECTION and PROPELLER
The first step is a complete visual inspection of the motor along
with the steering system and control cables and other boat systems.
Check hoses for deterioration and inspect everything for leaks
and for worn, damaged or missing items. Remove the propeller
and look for fishing line in the seals. Timing belts, air filters and
alternator belts are some additional inspection items along with
What is a
Tune-Up?
By Bill Grannis
,
TODAY’S TECHNICIAN
